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

Melnikova won the European all-around title in August in Croatia after being issued a visa following an initial refusal, the Russian team said at the time. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Vaccine refusal doesn’t always sound like vaccine refusal in my pediatric office anymore. — CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

The ruling did not, however, address the question of the administration's periodic refusal since the ban to permit CNN's journalists into smaller spaces where the full press corps cannot fit simultaneously, such as Air Force One or the Oval Office. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026

What makes the guest list truly striking is its refusal to stay neatly within the lines of traditional fashion. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 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