as in rejection
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 refusal
And despite overwhelming odds and unconscionable cruelty, the locals surprise the world with their resilience and refusal to bow to injustice.
—
Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
Reframing boundaries as capacity management rather than a blank refusal indicates a strong self-awareness and company-forward mindset.
—Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Following his refusal, some council members reportedly attempted to remove Saint-Cyr from his position.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Nurrenbern’s refusal makes Hall’s path forward complicated.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
Reframing boundaries as capacity management rather than a blank refusal indicates a strong self-awareness and company-forward mindset.
—Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Following his refusal, some council members reportedly attempted to remove Saint-Cyr from his position.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Nurrenbern’s refusal makes Hall’s path forward complicated.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusal
Noun
-
Calling for an independent transportation study is not a rejection of women’s professional soccer.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
-
A week before being taken into custody, Lemon predicted he’d be arrested, despite Schiltz's rejection of the government's previous attempts to apprehend him.—
Danielle Bacher,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Trump has also left the door open to resuming nuclear deal negotiations that collapsed last summer, something the regime has signaled openness to despite their denials of ever desiring or possessing nuclear weapons.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Emily Bavar, editor of the newspaper’s Florida Magazine, had face-to-face denials from Disney, but also stacks of clues from him that suggested otherwise.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusal. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
