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

How else to explain such relentlessness, such a refusal to stop even when most everyone would quit? —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 June 2026

The attack was a result of the refusal of the Zamfara state government to negotiate with the gunmen, Sanusi Dosara, chairman of the Maradun local government, said in a statement. —ABC News, 13 June 2026

The attack was a result of the refusal of the Zamfara state government to negotiate with the gunmen, said Sanusi Dosara, chairman of the Maradun local government, in a statement. —Dyepkazah Shibayan, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026

Objection issues public verdicts based on investigations paid for by one party, which may be negatively impacted by the refusal of the other side to participate in its process. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 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