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

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said California’s refusal to enforce federal English language requirements for CDL holders contributed to the administration’s action. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

Merlino came out on top after a hitman allegedly hired by Stanfa, spurned by Stanfa's refusal to pay him, became an informant for the FBI, per CBS News. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025

Quite often Netflix and AMC could never come to terms about windows nor terms (exhibit A being AMC’s refusal to book Martin Scorsese’s 3 hour and 29 minute Netflix mob movie, The Irishman. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025

Two cases about the passport refusals eventually made their way to the Supreme Court. —Time, 20 Oct. 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