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

• 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

The ceremony last year stirred controversy because of the absence of the U.S. ambassador and other Western envoys in response to the Japanese city’s refusal to invite officials from Israel. —Mari Yamaguchi, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025

Ghana’s communication regulator, the National Communications Authority (NCA), has ordered the local shutdown of MultiChoice – Africa’s largest pay-TV operator — in 30 days from now, on Sept. 8, due to the streamer’s refusal to cut its subscription rate by 30%. —Thinus Ferreira, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025

Just after marking his sixth month in office, Trump is facing arguably the biggest public relations crisis of his second term as his base has broken with him over the Justice Department’s refusal to release documents detailing its investigation into Epstein. —Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

The emergency appeal follows a refusal by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to dissolve the temporary restraining order. —Peter Aitken gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025

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