1
as in denies
to be unwilling to grant
the reclusive movie star usually refuses requests for interviews
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rejects
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
she refused the award, citing the hard work of others who deserved the recognition more than she did
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refuses
One of the most dominant factions that refuses to die?
—
Olivia Allen, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
The film sensitively and disarmingly refuses to other the subculture at its core — a clever way of making the particular feel universal.
—Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The incumbent refuses to work with leadership and other members.
—Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Trump seethes with hatred and erupts in volcanic fury to denounce, demonize, disparage and threaten anyone who refuses to support his increasingly irrational and harmful proposals and actions.
—Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2026
But the school still refuses to accept any responsibility.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
When Russo heir Francesca refuses to be the brand’s face, Lauren must work with Mason, the handsome but reluctant chef of the family’s trattoria.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2026
Jacob refuses, severs his bond with the pack, and helps the Cullens protect a rapidly declining Bella.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
In a world obsessed with shortcuts, Ethiopia refuses to take any.
—John Noakes, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026
Olivia Allen, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
The film sensitively and disarmingly refuses to other the subculture at its core — a clever way of making the particular feel universal.
—Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The incumbent refuses to work with leadership and other members.
—Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Trump seethes with hatred and erupts in volcanic fury to denounce, demonize, disparage and threaten anyone who refuses to support his increasingly irrational and harmful proposals and actions.
—Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2026
But the school still refuses to accept any responsibility.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
When Russo heir Francesca refuses to be the brand’s face, Lauren must work with Mason, the handsome but reluctant chef of the family’s trattoria.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2026
Jacob refuses, severs his bond with the pack, and helps the Cullens protect a rapidly declining Bella.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
In a world obsessed with shortcuts, Ethiopia refuses to take any.
—John Noakes, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refuses
Verb
-
While Singh’s lawyer Jitender Khurana denies any political motive for his client’s paroles, his previous releases coincided with crucial state elections, fueling speculation that his freedom is a reward for the Dera’s electoral support.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Continue reading … FOUL PLAY – Lions fan files $100M lawsuit after DK Metcalf clash, denies racial slur claims.—
,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Unfortunately, a vocal political movement, on both right and left, rejects these values.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Feb. 2026
-
If the House rejects the plan or delays action, the shutdown could stretch beyond the weekend, though most appropriators still expect a relatively short closure given the bipartisan momentum before the deadline.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Using rolling peaks, which measure declines from the most recent market high rather than calendar periods, the S & P 500 has gone 185 days without a 10% drawdown, a stretch that, by itself, does not signal an imminent correction.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
26 Jan. 2026
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Calls for repeal come with leaders of Balboa Park museums and other organizations saying that declines in park visits have ranged from 20% to more than 50% and that overall annual revenue could drop by $20 million to $30 million.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Ma puts the red wine to one side, ignores the shortbread, and scoops a glob of cream cheese onto her fingertip.—
Molly Aitken,
New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2026
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But that ignores the middle stages, where the majority of the chaos and excitement happens.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refuses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refuses. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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