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 there were hero moments here too, the same refusal to lose, the same team-work, the same selfless effort in exhausting physical conditions. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 July 2026

The monitor found Fain's retaliation was partly due to the vice president's refusal to approve bonuses at a training center where Fain's fiancee works. — Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 12 July 2026

This strategic refusal is a major plot point in the episode, reflecting a history that led the New York Times to report in 1921 that the Osage had the greatest per capita wealth in the world. — Max Gao, IndieWire, 10 July 2026

No federal or state agencies track refusal rates or subsequent bleeding. — Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 July 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