refuses; refused; refusing
1
: to say that you will not accept (something, such as a gift or offer)
He refused the job. [=he did not accept the job]
I could hardly refuse [=could not refuse] the money.
The offer was too good to refuse. [=the offer was so good that I had to accept it]
When they offered me the money, I couldn't refuse.
2
: to say or show that you are not willing to do something that someone wants you to do
They asked her to help but she refused.
—usually followed by to + verbHe refused to answer the question.
She flatly/stubbornly/steadfastly refused to help.
They refuse to accept the truth.
3
: to not allow someone to have (something)
They were refused [=denied] admittance to the game.
They refused him a visa. [=they did not give him a visa]
formal
: something (such as paper or food waste) that has been thrown away : trash or garbage
a pile of refuse [=rubbish]
Cite this Entry
“Refuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/refuse. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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