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

What looks to have caused his downfall was a refusal by smaller racecourse owners — and in particular Arena Racing Company (ARC), whose 16 courses include Chepstow, Newcastle and Wolverhampton — to support the idea of an independent BHA board. —Ian King, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026

Three Riverside police officers who sued the department for veteran discrimination now face termination following the city’s refusal to settle, the officers’ attorney has said. —Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Mayor Michelle Wu is still battling the Krafts after last year’s contentious mayoral race, this time by unequivocally backing the town of Foxboro’s refusal to budge from its security funding demands holding up Boston’s World Cup permitting. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

The lawsuit alleges that ICE's refusal to comply with the subpoena violates the Administrative Procedure Act and asks the court to order ICE and DHS to produce the records. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 10 Mar. 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