Synonyms of denial

denial

noun

di-ˈnī(-ə)l 

1

as in refusal

an unwillingness to grant something asked for

our supervisor's denial of unpaid personal leave got mixed reactions from the staff

Synonyms & Similar Words

• refusal
• rejection
• nonacceptance
• no
• disallowance
• declination
• injunction
• nay
• repudiation
• suppression
• turndown
• rebuff
• veto
• repression
• repulse
• discouragement
• ban
• deterrence
• spurn
• negative

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approval
• grant
• allowance
• acceptance
• agreement
• consent
• permission
• sanction
• license
• authorization
• clearance
• assent
• leave
• acquiescence
• concurrence
• OK
• accession
• signature
• seal
• stamp
• sufferance
• imprimatur

2

as in rejection

a refusal to confirm the truth of a statement

the senator issued a flat denial of the accusation against her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rejection
• disavowal
• contradiction
• repudiation
• negation
• disallowance
• refutation
• disclaimer
• denegation
• rebuttal
• disconfirmation
• disproof
• negative

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confirmation
• admission
• acknowledgment
• confession
• declaration
• concession
• affirmation
• assertion
• testimony
• avowal
• documentation
• validation
• testament
• corroboration
• substantiation
• attestation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of denial

For one, this resulted in a strong feeling of pain that was entirely unnecessary, and for the other, a dangerous amount of pain denial. — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Leto only issued his denial hours after the documentary was released — and even then, the statement was not shared with Radford, Sartenaer, and the team. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 July 2026

Advocates warn the rule could result in more denials for people seeking to renew their work permits, risking the status of more than 2 million people already in the labor force. — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 30 July 2026

Hinojosa promised to ensure every Texas child has quality healthcare, ban bad-faith denials by profiteering healthcare companies and strengthen the rural hospital system. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026