Synonyms of refusal

refusal

noun

ri-ˈfyü-zəl 

as in rejection

an unwillingness to grant something asked for

his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rejection
• denial
• nonacceptance
• no
• declination
• nay
• disallowance
• rebuff
• injunction
• veto
• turndown
• repudiation
• repulse
• suppression
• spurn
• ban
• repression
• discouragement
• deterrence
• negative

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approval
• grant
• allowance
• consent
• agreement
• permission
• acceptance
• sanction
• license
• authorization
• assent
• leave
• clearance
• accession
• acquiescence
• concurrence
• OK
• signature
• seal
• stamp
• sufferance
• imprimatur

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of refusal

What distinguishes Vacanza in the landscape of luxury niche perfumery is its refusal of escapism as mere fantasy. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Dylan’s tour team denied all press access requests, in keeping with his longstanding refusal to permit media photography. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026

That said, the court's refusal to intervene at this point is at least a tentative signal that favors the law. — Nina Totenberg, NPR, 6 July 2026

In the last year, Actor’s Equity has filed at least seven labor complaints against Casa Bonita with the National Labor Relations Board for retaliation and refusal to bargain. — Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 5 July 2026