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

Sometimes the seeds of success are planted by watching someone else overcome adversity with determination, grit, and a refusal to allow hardship to take your dreams away. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025

Overcome with anger at Ki-dae’s refusal to apologize, Su-yeong smashed a wine bottle over Ki-dae’s head and then stabbed him repeatedly in the neck with one of his art implements. —Kayti Burt, Time, 5 Dec. 2025

Another angry group is theater owners, who have famously warred with Netflix for years over the big red streamer’s reluctance, even refusal to follow traditional theatrical-release practices. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Dec. 2025

The grand jury's refusal to indict does not rule out any future attempts by prosecutors. —Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 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