as in rejections
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
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Recent Examples of refusals
The performance lives in tiny hesitations, fleeting glances and emotional refusals.
—
Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Judge Panici, visibly frustrated with Talley’s refusals to answer his questions, ordered Talley held in custody until then.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
After three years of refusals, Kalshi finally sued the regulatory agency and won — just in time for the 2024 presidential election.
—Kelli María Korducki, thehustle.co, 3 Apr. 2026
Despite the Reina Sofía’s many refusals to lend the work to various institutions around the world, its rebuff of the Guggenheim’s request carries a particular sting because the Basque Country has long held that the painting belongs in the place where the depicted tragedy occurred.
—News Desk, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
The Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach sued the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office in 2024 over refusals to comply with a whistleblower complaint subpoena.
—Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Against that backdrop, other examples of European refusals and hesitations are mounting.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Some went to court to challenge government refusals to authorize pickets, while others scaled them back to smaller indoor gatherings.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Most families decide to get it, said Felton, who has seen no uptick in refusals.
—CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Judge Panici, visibly frustrated with Talley’s refusals to answer his questions, ordered Talley held in custody until then.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
After three years of refusals, Kalshi finally sued the regulatory agency and won — just in time for the 2024 presidential election.
—Kelli María Korducki, thehustle.co, 3 Apr. 2026
Despite the Reina Sofía’s many refusals to lend the work to various institutions around the world, its rebuff of the Guggenheim’s request carries a particular sting because the Basque Country has long held that the painting belongs in the place where the depicted tragedy occurred.
—News Desk, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
The Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach sued the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office in 2024 over refusals to comply with a whistleblower complaint subpoena.
—Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Against that backdrop, other examples of European refusals and hesitations are mounting.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Some went to court to challenge government refusals to authorize pickets, while others scaled them back to smaller indoor gatherings.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Most families decide to get it, said Felton, who has seen no uptick in refusals.
—CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusals
Noun
-
For the next two years, Adamson and Watson struggled through label rejections, an aborted stint opening for Alice Cooper with a mediocre backing band, and some uneven sessions with Roxy Music producer Chris Thomas.—
Ethan Beck,
Pitchfork,
30 May 2026
-
Jerry Mix, the investor who said yes after 73 rejections, believed in physical products and a long time horizon.—
Esha Chhabra,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Too many Californians face denials, excessive prior authorization requirements, or complete lack of coverage for these treatments.—
Karen R. Studer,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2026
-
Republicans suspect Bankhead will essentially cede the race to Bodnar (despite her denials), which would make the general election more competitive.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refusals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusals. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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