rebuff 1 of 2

as in dismissal
treatment that is deliberately unfriendly took her rebuff in stride, and still greeted her cousin with a friendly smile the next time they met

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rebuff

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rebuff
Noun
One call for dismissal hinges on his allegation that the state has repeatedly rebuffed defense efforts to obtain evidentiary materials necessary for a proper defense. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 18 Sep. 2025 Another related difference is in American founders’ inclination to rebuff would-be acquirers rather than give in to them: having the nerve to say ‘no’ when a tempting offer is on the table. Andrew Saunders, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
The matter-of-fact rebuff feels very French, very Oklou. Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2025 There was a unilateral rebuff toward the idea that the industry is experiencing a drummer shortage in general. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuff
Noun
  • Janssen’s dismissal flipped the script.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Bolton’s team is likely to seek dismissal or suppression of materials, arguing political motivation and lack of intent, while the Justice Department pushes to protect classified details.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The law went into effect in the wake of numerous accusations by American brands and retailers that container shipping giants had spurned service commitments and charged excessive late fees during the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • There had been endeavour and creativity from the home side, and also a host of golden chances spurned.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a particular kind of Oscar-season tragedy that has nothing to do with surprise snubs.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
  • That Martin limped on until October was a surprise given Raskin’s Old Firm snub happened on the final day of August.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • It’s scorned Donald, who saw that scoundrel Lee leaving his mistress’s house this morning.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Hell hath no fury like… an ex scorned?
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Larger than life, his creation repulses and torments him, and Victor spends the rest of his life both running from it and trying to destroy it.
    Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The optical, stop-motion, and puppetry effects alone should make Brain Damage a priority on your watchlist, but Henenlotter’s film excites and repulses on a deeper level.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
Verb
  • Lewis Wedlock, a social psychologist specializing in masculinities, notes that the term is especially cutting when a man uses it to refer to another man, which can imply disdain for his authenticity and his submission in pandering to women.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Kleinfeld disdains the concept of work-life separation.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • One day, doctors could produce blood fully compatible with a patient’s body, avoiding rejection risks.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Other university leaders are saying MIT's rejection of the deal opens the door for other institutions to make the same choice, rather than agree to deals like some of the Ivies have.
    Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The council had already rejected Allied once before, months earlier, over settlements — including back wages — that the company has had to pay out to current and former employees.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Teachers, students, and parents alike rejected the $850 million effort.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuff. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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