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
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
Care refusals aren’t a new phenomenon.
—Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Most families decide to get it, said Felton, who has seen no uptick in refusals.
—CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Missile crews are reportedly reluctant to leave cover, desertions are increasing, refusals to obey orders are surfacing, and American and Israeli forces continue hunting launchers daily.
—Richard Goldberg, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
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
Care refusals aren’t a new phenomenon.
—Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Most families decide to get it, said Felton, who has seen no uptick in refusals.
—CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Missile crews are reportedly reluctant to leave cover, desertions are increasing, refusals to obey orders are surfacing, and American and Israeli forces continue hunting launchers daily.
—Richard Goldberg, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusals
Noun
-
As GLP-1s become more ubiquitous, leading many to scramble after insurance rejections, both manufacturers are looking to draw in more customers who either prefer to avoid a needle or were unable to swing the out-of-pocket price.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The family has had three rejections so far.—
Morgan Rynor,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
About 15 requests for assistance from others states and tribes for extreme weather events this year and last seem to be pending, along with three appeals of previous denials.—
Gabriela Aoun Angueira,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Correspondent Susan Spencer looks at how a form of insurance against health care denials may benefit consumers.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refusals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusals. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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