refusal

noun

re·​fus·​al ri-ˈfyü-zəl 

1

: the act of refusing or denying

2

: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking before others

Synonyms of refusal

• rejection
• denial

Examples of refusal in a Sentence

My request for more money was met with a flat refusal.

his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling

Recent Examples on the Web

Spain’s shrewdness came in their refusal to engage with off-the-ball trivialities. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Transfer restrictions often require company approvals or trigger rights of first refusal. — Caroline Farah Lembck, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

The decision comes after the DOJ filed a lawsuit against Connecticut in January for its refusal to hand over voter registration lists. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

One error was a forecast that proved wrong; the other was a refusal to act on evidence already in view. — Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing refusal

• (the right of) first refusal

Rhymes for refusal

• occlusal
• perusal
• recusal

Kids Definition

refusal

noun

re·​fus·​al ri-ˈfyü-zəl 

1

: the act of refusing or denying

2

: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking (as a purchase) before others