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
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 this tour de force, Mark Lilla explores the deep sources of this refusal.
—
Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 26 Nov. 2025
The most effective strategies distinguish outright refusal from genuine ambivalence; build long-term relationships; present precise data on safety and benefit; and respond to fears with empathy rather than dismissal.
—Henry I. Miller, Boston Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
Other studio films might avoid the now, the absurdity of people’s refusal to acknowledge contemporary truth and the outright peddling of lies, and so Anderson’s decision to at least muse at the surreality can shift audience expectations.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
Regardless, Rubio has reportedly been telling confidants that Vance has the first right of refusal regarding a presidential campaign.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 26 Nov. 2025
The most effective strategies distinguish outright refusal from genuine ambivalence; build long-term relationships; present precise data on safety and benefit; and respond to fears with empathy rather than dismissal.
—Henry I. Miller, Boston Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
Other studio films might avoid the now, the absurdity of people’s refusal to acknowledge contemporary truth and the outright peddling of lies, and so Anderson’s decision to at least muse at the surreality can shift audience expectations.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
Regardless, Rubio has reportedly been telling confidants that Vance has the first right of refusal regarding a presidential campaign.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refusal. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share