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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of denial
But none of these benefits will materialize for those who choose denial over adaptation.
—
Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2026
Most people don’t appeal denials.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
Moskowitz asked again for a clear denial.
—Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026
In 2012 and 2013, the country was behind a massive denial of service attack on major banks that crashed websites, CNBC previously reported.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for denial
Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2026
Most people don’t appeal denials.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
Moskowitz asked again for a clear denial.
—Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026
In 2012 and 2013, the country was behind a massive denial of service attack on major banks that crashed websites, CNBC previously reported.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for denial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denial
Noun
-
Artificial intelligence systems do not possess human intelligence and therefore should not be granted rights or protections reserved for people, as evidenced by the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear a case challenging the requirement that copyrightable works must have human authorship.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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But for those who are tending toward cosmetic refusal anyway, the Commission’s words might be just the spiritual ticket.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Researchers say a growing number of young people are turning to AI to navigate social situations — drafting rejection texts, decoding mixed signals and scripting difficult conversations.—
Asuka Koda,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
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The rejection of the application, highly unusual for the FDA, prompted Moderna to go public with Prasad's decision and vow to formally challenge it.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Denial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denial. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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