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

The impact of an HPV vaccine campaign But vaccine refusal wasn't just about asserting personal freedom. —Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 21 Nov. 2025

Trump has gone well out of his way to forge a new cooperative relationship with Russia, only to be thwarted by Vladimir Putin’s imperial ambitions and refusal to accept a favorable peace deal. —Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 18 Nov. 2025

City records going back to 2017, released to The Bee, in August show Karl Lysinger’s problems with the city revolved initially around his refusal to buy its water. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 18 Nov. 2025

Senate Republicans’ refusal now leaves no clear pathway to redistricting before midterms. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 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