refuse

1 to be unwilling to grant the reclusive movie star usually refuses requests for interviews Synonyms decline, disallow, disapprove, negative, nix, deny, reject, reprobate, withholdRelated Words ban, enjoin, forbid, prohibit, proscribe, veto; rebuff, repel, spurn; check, constrain, curb, hold, keep, repress, restrain, restrict; balk (at), hinder, impede, obstructNear Antonyms afford, furnish, give, provide, supply; authorize, commission, license (also licence); accede (to), acquiesce, agree (to), assent (to), consent (to), warrant; accord, sanction, vouchsafeAntonyms allow, concede, grant, let, OK (or okay), permit

2 to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to she refused the award, citing the hard work of others who deserved the recognition more than she did Synonyms balk (at), deselect, disapprove, negative, nix, pass, pass up, decline, reject, reprobate, repudiate, spurn, throw out, throw over, turn downRelated Words blow off, disdain, rebuff, scorn, scout, shoot down; overrule, veto; forbid, prohibit, proscribe; dismiss, ignore; abstain (from), forbear, refrain (from); deny, disavow, disclaim, dispute, gainsay; stick; abjure, forswear (also foreswear), recant, renounce, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw; avoid, bypass, detour; contradict, deny, disown, negate; controvert, disagree (with), disprove, dispute, rebut, refute; back down, back off, backtrack; disallow, recall, renege, revokeNear Antonyms condone, countenance, swallow, tolerate; adopt, embrace, receive, take, welcome; accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, consent; choose, handpick, select; espouse, supportAntonyms accept, agree (to), approve