1
as in denies
to be unwilling to grant
the reclusive movie star usually refuses requests for interviews
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rejects
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refuses
In the nation’s fastest-gentrifying city, Black DC refuses quiet erasure.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 May 2026
The seat is open, but no election has been called, not because the people didn’t care, but because the governor refuses to act.
—Daryl Campbell, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
Say that a human life is a metaphysical experiment—though one that, by and large, refuses to think of itself as such.
—James Wood, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
The man who was there for the Timberwolves literally all season – having played in each of the Wolves’ 82 games – refuses to leave them now.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 May 2026
However, the father, Old Master Wang, is old-fashioned and refuses.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Daily News, 4 May 2026
When camera operator Jack refuses to do his job, Bev is forced to step in.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 4 May 2026
Looking at this morning’s newspapers … a number of political people are saying that the United States is not for Muslims, and the Republican leadership refuses to rebuke that.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
In some states, hospitals can seek a court order if a pregnant patient refuses a recommended intervention, arguing that the fetus has separate rights that must be protected.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 May 2026
The seat is open, but no election has been called, not because the people didn’t care, but because the governor refuses to act.
—Daryl Campbell, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
Say that a human life is a metaphysical experiment—though one that, by and large, refuses to think of itself as such.
—James Wood, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
The man who was there for the Timberwolves literally all season – having played in each of the Wolves’ 82 games – refuses to leave them now.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 May 2026
However, the father, Old Master Wang, is old-fashioned and refuses.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Daily News, 4 May 2026
When camera operator Jack refuses to do his job, Bev is forced to step in.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 4 May 2026
Looking at this morning’s newspapers … a number of political people are saying that the United States is not for Muslims, and the Republican leadership refuses to rebuke that.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
In some states, hospitals can seek a court order if a pregnant patient refuses a recommended intervention, arguing that the fetus has separate rights that must be protected.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refuses
Verb
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Doctors and patients have long criticized prior authorizations, saying in surveys and government oversight reports that the practice routinely delays or denies care.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
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He was also sued for battery, emotional distress, and fraud in April and accused of inflicting physical, emotional, and psychological damage by 18-year-old influencer Alorah Ziva, which Peters denies.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Apparently, if eBay’s board rejects the offer, Cohen is reportedly willing to take it directly to shareholders.—
Josh Brown and Sean Russo,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
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If the Supreme Court rejects the administration’s argument, Venezuelans, Haitians, and other TPS beneficiaries could use it to continue arguing for their protections in court.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When a security system declines a valid purchase, the customer often abandons the cart and moves to a competitor.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
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Distribution revenue was $858 million as vs $870 million on net subscriber declines.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
There is an attitude among many in the legislature that children under five belong at home with mom, which ignores the economic reality facing Idaho families.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
8 May 2026
-
Far too often, housing analysis ignores job creation.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refuses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refuses. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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