Definition of reject
transitive verb
1a : to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use rejected the suggestion reject a manuscriptb : to refuse to hear, receive, or admit : rebuff, repel parents who reject their childrenc : to refuse as lover or spouse
2 obsolete : to cast off
3 : throw back, repulse
4 : to spew out
5 : to subject to immunological rejection
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Examples of reject in a Sentence
My teacher rejected my excuse for being late.
The committee rejected my proposal.
The produce inspector rejected several crates of berries that had begun to grow mold.
The college rejects hundreds of applicants each year.
We rejected 5 of the 10 job applicants right away.
Recent Examples of reject from the Web
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So a total of 409 applications were rejected, leaving 5,752 ballots that went out.
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The nominations would not give the opposition a supreme court majority but are almost certain to be rejected by the current court and the executive branch, making them a largely symbolic tactic to increase pressure on Maduro.
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Voters rejected a tax that would have expanded the jail almost a decade ago.
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Watson could again reject Hawaii’s request, this time on the grounds that there is no imminent threat of harm.
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Proving that the fish isn’t out of water but actually in an entirely different sea, Jaime’s suggestions of lasagna and meatballs are scornfully rejected.
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Upon being rescued and reunited with their families, some of the children rejected and attacked their own kin.
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The wrestlers are deeply familiar with each other’s bodies, yet reject the implications of getting so close.
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The Education Department under DeVos has rejected other guidance on education issues set by the Obama administration.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reject.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of reject
Middle English, from Latin rejectus, past participle of reicere, from re- + jacere to throw — more at jet
Synonym Discussion of reject
Definition of reject
: a rejected person or thing; especially : one rejected as not wanted, unsatisfactory, or not fulfilling requirements
Examples of reject in a Sentence
Stack the promising applications here, and put the rejects over there.
was the school reject as a child and has low self-esteem even today
Recent Examples of reject from the Web
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July 17 Dashboard Confessional/The All-American Rejects: 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 17, Outlaw Field, Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise.
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Looking like a reject from Spinal Tap, MacLachlan seems to be having a lot of fun with this role.
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In the context of a bouncy showtune, though, the sentiment feels like a Hallmark reject.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reject.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of reject
circa 1555
REJECT Defined for English Language Learners
reject
playDefinition of reject for English Language Learners
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: to refuse to believe, accept, or consider (something)
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: to decide not to publish (something) or make (something) available to the public because it is not good enough
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: to refuse to allow (someone) to join a club, to attend a school, etc.
reject
playDefinition of reject for English Language Learners
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: something that is not good enough for some purpose : something that cannot be used or accepted
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: a person who is not accepted or liked by other people
REJECT Defined for Kids
Definition of reject for Students
rejected
;rejecting
: to refuse to accept, believe, or consider Dad rejected my excuse. He rejected their offer.
Word Root of reject
The Latin word jacere, meaning “to throw,” and its form jactus give us the root ject. Words from the Latin jacere have something to do with throwing. To reject is to throw back or away. To eject is to throw out. To inject is to throw one thing into another. To project is to throw forward onto a surface.
Definition of reject for Students
: a person or thing not accepted as good enough for some purpose
Medical Dictionary
reject
playMedical Definition of reject
1: to rebuff, repel, refuse to hear, or withhold love from; especially : to communicate negative feelings toward and a wish to be free of parents who reject their children
2: to subject to immunological rejection rejected a heart transplant
Law Dictionary
Learn More about reject
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See words that rhyme with reject Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reject Spanish Central: Translation of reject Nglish: Translation of reject for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of reject for Arabic speakers
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