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

In hindsight, the moniker seems like both a straightforward description and a refusal to forget the gift that was stolen from him. —Joshua Bennett, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026

To date, Bolt has raised $150 million in initial capital, with TPL contributing a $50 million investment, including right of first refusal to supply critical water resources to the new data center projects. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2026

Morgan has cited his brother’s injury and Disney’s refusal to settle the case as the inspiration behind his personal injury firm, now widely recognized as the largest in the country. —Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026

Given the political impasse and Hamas’s refusal to disarm, there’s no realistic path to meeting these conditions anytime soon—which means rebuilding in the red zone is indefinitely stalled. —Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 29 Dec. 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