Synonyms of refuses

refuses

verb

present tense third-person singular of refuse

1

as in denies

to be unwilling to grant

the reclusive movie star usually refuses requests for interviews

Synonyms & Similar Words

• denies
• rejects
• declines
• withholds
• disapproves
• disallows
• forbids
• nixes
• prohibits
• keeps
• spurns
• restricts
• enjoins
• vetoes
• negatives
• proscribes
• bans
• restrains
• holds
• repels
• reprobates
• rebuffs
• checks
• represses
• constrains
• hinders
• obstructs
• impedes
• curbs
• balks (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lets
• permits
• allows
• concedes
• provides
• gives
• grants
• affords
• furnishes
• authorizes
• supplies
• acquiesces
• licenses
• agrees (to)
• OKs
• consents (to)
• warrants
• commissions
• assents (to)
• accedes (to)
• accords
• sanctions
• vouchsafes

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rejects
• declines
• ignores
• denies
• passes
• forbids
• spurns
• dismisses
• withdraws
• disapproves
• avoids
• repudiates
• vetoes
• nixes
• disputes
• balks (at)
• deselects
• passes up
• turns down
• throws over
• disdains
• scorns
• throws out
• prohibits
• rebuffs
• overrules
• renounces
• reprobates
• retracts
• negatives
• proscribes
• revokes
• disavows
• turns one's back on
• recants
• contradicts
• recalls
• refutes
• abjures
• disclaims
• forswears
• blows off
• disowns
• scouts
• refrains (from)
• sticks
• bypasses
• disproves
• disallows
• reneges
• backtracks
• shoots down
• controverts
• gainsays
• abstains (from)
• negates
• rebuts
• forbears
• disagrees (with)
• takes back
• unsays
• detours
• backs off
• backs down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accepts
• approves
• agrees (to)
• receives
• takes
• tolerates
• agrees
• adopts
• embraces
• welcomes
• swallows
• condones
• chooses
• consents
• acquiesces
• selects
• assents
• supports
• countenances
• accedes
• espouses
• handpicks

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of refuses

Now podcast made clear, Rose refuses to be defined by any one sound. — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026

Unfortunately, if someone steadfastly refuses to engage, there is no magic wand that will make them. — Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Out of loyalty to her father, Rhaenyra refuses, eventually deciding to send him north to the Wall. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Like many of the people camped outside their families’ homes in Venezuela, Mendoza refuses to believe they are gone until the last moment possible. — Isa Soares, CNN Money, 1 July 2026

Despite the seriocomic set-up, as Vibeke gets more unstable, Mengel refuses to play her irrationality for laughs, instead taking the more difficult route of earnestness. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 7 July 2026

Reporting unsafe conditions to state labor agencies or OSHA is an option if an employer refuses to provide basic heat protections. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026

Alberto Fujimori of Peru faxes a letter of resignation from Tokyo; the following day the legislature refuses to accept his resignation and deposes him instead. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026

If Watson refuses to accept the sentence listed in the deal, his fate will be left up to Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge William Altfield, meaning Watson could face up to 15 years in prison. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026