as in rejection
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refusal
The Independent Spirits These leads paved their own way with wit, charm, and a refusal to conform.
—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 19 Feb. 2026
Such refusal risks collapsing the ceasefire and returning to war.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 19 Feb. 2026
Conversation starters → Guy Fieri, a chef famous for trying everything, has revealed a few firm food refusals.
—Staff, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Your courage in facing long lines of federal officers, your willingness to shout in our name, and your refusal to hide your grief and anger, all of this will not be forgotten.
—Kenety S. Gee, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 19 Feb. 2026
Such refusal risks collapsing the ceasefire and returning to war.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 19 Feb. 2026
Conversation starters → Guy Fieri, a chef famous for trying everything, has revealed a few firm food refusals.
—Staff, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Your courage in facing long lines of federal officers, your willingness to shout in our name, and your refusal to hide your grief and anger, all of this will not be forgotten.
—Kenety S. Gee, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusal
Noun
-
Their answers predicted a crushing rejection of the Roosevelt administration and the triumphant election of Republican Alf Landon and his running mate, Frank Knox.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Lung transplant patients see their doctors often in the year after the surgery, when the risk of organ rejection is the highest, Powers said.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Florida cannot build a just future on a foundation of denial.—
Debbie Deland,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Allen’s platform includes a number of ideas to ensure policyholders are treated better, including requiring insurers to clearly explain claim denials.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusal. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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