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 England, boxer Jane Couch took the British Board of Boxing Control to an industrial tribunal over their refusal to grant her (or any woman) a professional boxing licence. — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

AfD appears just short of an absolute majority, leaving questions over whether other parties’ refusal to cooperate can still keep Germany’s first far-right state government from emerging. — Geir Moulson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Woods appeared in a Florida court on Wednesday to enter a no-contest plea to charges of reckless driving and refusal to submit to a lawful test. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

After Russia's refusal to pay the award, Naftogaz has been petitioning national courts seeking court orders to seize Russian commercial assets. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 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