refusenik

variants also refusnik
Definition of refuseniknext

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 refusenik Even Vanguard, the last refusenik, reversed itself in December to allow third-party crypto ETFs and is now hiring a digital-assets head. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 This, too, meshes with the politics of the time, given the lure that Canada had for those fleeing the draft, and the dangers faced by refuseniks who stayed behind. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025 Instead, Elam became a refusenik, as conscientious objectors are called in Israel, over his disapproval of the Israel-Hamas war. — Jade Walker, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025 When the Soviet Union lifted its ban on the Jewish refusenik emigration in 1971, my family saw their opportunity to start over in America. — Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022 Can the host forbid entry or try to make a refusenik toe the line? — Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2021 Natan Sharansky has been a computer scientist, a chess player, a refusenik, a dissident, a political prisoner, a party leader, a government minister, a nonprofit executive, and a bestselling author. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, 28 Nov. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusenik
Noun
  • The uniform of the conformist — sports shirt, cardigan, tennis shoes — is as easily recognized as that of the recusant — dirty white T, sideburns, two days’ growth of beard.
    — Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 15 July 2019
Noun
  • The portrayal of Sacks as a Machiavellian billionaire by Johnson and the CTU taps into broader economic discontent, a hallmark of populist movements today.
    — Leigh Giangreco, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Expectations are running high and so is impatience after public discontent built over years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The attack comes as Colombia’s conservative government changes the nation’s security strategy and takes a more confrontational approach towards gangs and rebel groups.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The blast comes amid President Abelardo de la Espriella’s tougher security strategy, which includes ending rebel talks and renewing operations against gangs and armed groups.
    — Manuel Rueda, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refusenik.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusenik. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster