as in rejection
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
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Recent Examples of refusal
Legal experts say a clear trend is forming due to the number of refusals to indict in such a short time.
—
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Each refusal feeds the dance, giving it a tragic dimension.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
But Democrats say Thune’s refusal to meet with Democratic leaders to agree to a framework for the talks is a red flag.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 4 Sep. 2025
While intent behind the pitch remains unclear, Valdez's initial refusal to address Salazar frustrated many in the clubhouse.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Each refusal feeds the dance, giving it a tragic dimension.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
But Democrats say Thune’s refusal to meet with Democratic leaders to agree to a framework for the talks is a red flag.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 4 Sep. 2025
While intent behind the pitch remains unclear, Valdez's initial refusal to address Salazar frustrated many in the clubhouse.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusal
Noun
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And then, 11 days later, the movie will appear in theaters nationwide, something that seemed implausible over the years as the rejections kept piling up.—
Tim Casey,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Then an Alabama woman whose pig kidney lasted 130 days before rejection prompted its removal, sending her back to dialysis, helped researchers shift to not-as-sick patients.—
Lauran Neergaard,
Fortune,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This is not just the violence of batons or bullets, but the quieter devastation inflicted by law through denial, deferral or bureaucratic neglect.—
Hansel Alejandro Aguilar,
Mercury News,
6 Sep. 2025
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For those battling severe disease, foundation staffers can work with you one-on-one to fight a denial.—
Lauren Sausser,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusal. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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