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Many English verbs begin with the prefix re-, meaning “again” or “backward,” so we wouldn’t criticize you for drawing a connection between rebuff and buff, a verb meaning “to polish or shine.” But rebuff would beg to differ: this word comes to us from the Middle French verb rebuffer, which traces back to the Old Italian ribuffare, meaning “to reprimand.” (Buff, in contrast, comes from the Middle French noun buffle, meaning “wild ox”). A similar word, rebuke, shares the “criticize” sense of rebuff, but not the “reject” sense; one can rebuke another’s actions or policies, but one does not rebuke the advances of another, for example. Like rebuke, rebuff can also be used as a noun, as in “The proposal was met with a stern rebuff from the Board of Trustees.”
Examples of rebuff in a Sentence
David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025
The Phoenix Suns reportedly tried to acquire Smith in the Kevin Durant trade, but the Rockets rebuffed requests to include him, according to ESPN.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
House leadership refused to consider a bill to extend the program, citing concerns about its cost, and some advocates were rebuffed in their attempts to speak with lawmakers about the bill.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
Lego and Pinterest got sued after rebuffing threats X's threats did not work on Lego and Pinterest, the Journal wrote.
—ArsTechnica, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rebuff
Cite this Entry
“Rebuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebuff. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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