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

But Israel tops all concerns for some leftists, so Greene’s reversal on the issue is enough to win their support, and AOC’s refusal to embrace her is seen as a counterproductive purity test. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026

In April, the museum turned down the Guggenheim Bilbao’s request to borrow Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, one of the key jewels in its collection, prompting Basque officials to seek meetings with Spain’s culture minister, Ernest Urtasun, to determine whether the refusal could be overridden. —News Desk, Artforum, 22 May 2026

There is something awfully likable about this team, mostly its refusal to quit. —John Shipley, Twin Cities, 22 May 2026

The news lands like a punch to the chest for a sport that spent more than two decades orbiting around Busch’s talent, his temper, and his refusal to be anything other than himself. —Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 21 May 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