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

This question has been part of the series’ fabric from the beginning, as Adam forgave Charles for nearly killing him, and Lee forgave Adam for taking him for granted, and finally Cal and Aron personify what the refusal to forgive looks like. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

The air traffic control operators gave no reason for the earlier refusals. — Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026

First of all, a lot of this is their refusal to just engage in normal legal cooperation under California’s sanctuary state law. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Governors in four of those states have halted all executions, citing moral concerns and logistical ones, such as being unable to obtain lethal injection drugs amid pharmaceutical companies' refusal to sell them for use in executions. — Catherine Sweeney, NPR, 30 Sep. 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