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

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Thursday sent a letter to Barry University School of Law warning that the institution is in violation of the state’s consumer protection laws over its refusal to recognize a student chapter of Turning Point USA. —Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 9 Apr. 2026

After King’s initial refusal, CTU filed a grievance Tuesday. —Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

In it, Dekeyser assembles a history and taxonomy of the refusal of technologies, even ones that humans had come to depend on in their daily lives. —Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026

The Athletic reported that Woods previously pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence with property damage, and refusal to submit to a urinalysis. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 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