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

Farber said Weinstein’s refusal to accept responsibility, portraying himself as a victim during jailhouse interviews, weighed heavily on his sentencing decision. — Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Many ostrich defenders had truly suffered from those measures—refusal to abide by public-health rules had cost some of them their jobs, homes, even access to their children. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

The remarks stand in stark contrast to Trump’s earlier posture toward Greenland, which had included months of combative rhetoric, tariff threats and a refusal to rule out military force to acquire the island. — Alejandra Jaramillo, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Michel linked the lobbying contract and its timing to broader concerns about the government, including its refusal to rescind a controversial decree protecting senior government officials from prosecution in regular courts. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 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