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as in refusals
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
gave a resounding nay to the request for a mixed-company camping trip
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nays
With Cornyn not on the floor, the vote for more than 25 minutes was stuck at 56 ayes and 40 nays, with three other GOP senators, Rick Scott of Florida, Wisconsin’s Ron Johnson and Mike Lee of Utah, not voting, for unclear reasons.
—
Emily Wilkins,dan Mangan, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the decision following an endorsement from the Chamber of Deputies and a Senate vote that saw 76 ayes, five nays and 35 abstentions.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Emily Wilkins,dan Mangan, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the decision following an endorsement from the Chamber of Deputies and a Senate vote that saw 76 ayes, five nays and 35 abstentions.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nays
Noun
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On the framework amendment, there were 12 Republican noes.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Apr. 2026
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The list of noes from top free agents since then is not insignificant.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Judge Panici, visibly frustrated with Talley’s refusals to answer his questions, ordered Talley held in custody until then.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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After three years of refusals, Kalshi finally sued the regulatory agency and won — just in time for the 2024 presidential election.—
Kelli María Korducki,
thehustle.co,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The House was unwilling to override two vetoes earlier this year on legislation that passed unanimously.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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The issue, though, is that the liberals do not have enough votes to override Lamont’s vetoes.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The role came after a long period of consecutive rejections.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
10 May 2026
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Bezos recounted getting several rejections and some investors.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That’s a 44% increase in flat-out denials statewide.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2026
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Customer complaints about Choice Home Warranty were mostly about claim denials, slow response times and disputes over what’s covered.—
Jamela Adam,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nays. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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