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

Stribling transferred to Oklahoma State after Rolovich was fired from Washington State following his refusal to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026

The Kid Line of Marat Khusnutdinov, Fraser Minten and James Hagens drew raves from Sturm in the first two games up in Buffalo for its details and refusal to be cowed by the hostile environment in Buffalo. —Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026

Trump has even threatened to cut trade with Spain over its refusal to allow the use of its bases and airspace. —ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026

Trump’s refusal to acknowledge our history or celebrate our diversity represents nothing short of the greatest threat to American civilization since the Civil War. —Melody Moezzi, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 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