as in rejection
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
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Recent Examples of refusal
Legal experts say a clear trend is forming due to the number of refusals to indict in such a short time.
—
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Each refusal feeds the dance, giving it a tragic dimension.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
But Democrats say Thune’s refusal to meet with Democratic leaders to agree to a framework for the talks is a red flag.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 4 Sep. 2025
While intent behind the pitch remains unclear, Valdez's initial refusal to address Salazar frustrated many in the clubhouse.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Each refusal feeds the dance, giving it a tragic dimension.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
But Democrats say Thune’s refusal to meet with Democratic leaders to agree to a framework for the talks is a red flag.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 4 Sep. 2025
While intent behind the pitch remains unclear, Valdez's initial refusal to address Salazar frustrated many in the clubhouse.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusal
Noun
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And then, 11 days later, the movie will appear in theaters nationwide, something that seemed implausible over the years as the rejections kept piling up.—
Tim Casey,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Then an Alabama woman whose pig kidney lasted 130 days before rejection prompted its removal, sending her back to dialysis, helped researchers shift to not-as-sick patients.—
Lauran Neergaard,
Fortune,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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While non-State armed groups are said to be responsible for almost 50% of grave violations, government forces were the main perpetrators of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Protecting your own mental state is not avoidance or denial.—
Annie Margaret,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusal. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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