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

• 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

Old Orchard Beach, according to the Department of Homeland Security, is considered a sanctuary jurisdiction, due to their refusal to comply with the administration's immigration enforcement efforts. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Modi’s refusal to kowtow to US pressure plays to his political brand built around the image of a strong leader helming an India that is focused on its own interests on the world stage. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025

This, combined with Uchis’ refusal to compromise her bilingual identity — exemplified by 2020’s Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios), her first album entirely in Spanish, and her decision to alternate between languages on subsequent albums — has propelled her journey. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025

Advertisement Lawmakers are reportedly unhappy with briefings on the strikes, unable to clarify the legal basis of the strikes, and the refusal from Pentagon officials to provide unedited video footage of such incidents. —Callum Sutherland, Time, 15 Oct. 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