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

Keep a record of all maintenance done to prevent this denial. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Many families face significant barriers to obtaining testing, including long waitlists, limited access to genetics specialists, insurance denials and uncertainty about which tests to order and when. — Eliza Goldwasser, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026

The lawsuit alleges that federal pressure on the university following the encampments led to Thrasher’s suspension, internal disciplinary charges, denial of tenure and upcoming termination. — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

These reforms may seem a tall order, especially since Americans appear to be in near-total pandemic denial and anxious to put the Covid experience behind them. — David Blumenthal, STAT, 20 July 2026