denies; denied; denying
1
a
: to say that something is not true
He denied the report that he would be quitting his job.
She denies all the charges that have been made against her.
I don't deny that I have made some mistakes. [=I admit that I have made some mistakes]
They are still denying (that) the problem exists.
The police deny that racism is a problem in the department.
Yes, I was there. I don't deny it.
There's no denying [=it is clearly true] that he knows how to run a successful company.
b
: to refuse to accept or admit (something)
You can't deny her beauty. = You can't deny that she is beautiful.
She denied responsibility [=she said that she was not responsible] for the error.
2
: to refuse to give (something) to someone : to prevent someone from having or receiving (something)
The banks denied [=refused] them credit.
The judge denied their request.
I don't want to deny them this pleasure. = I don't want to deny this pleasure to them.
a government that denies its citizens basic freedoms
Cite this Entry
“Deny.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/deny. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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