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
The story pulls viewers into a world where the past refuses to stay buried and every revelation raises the stakes.
—
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
In an interview with TMZ, Hines revealed the actor refuses to work for anything less than $200,000 a day.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
This inclination means Karnišovas outright refuses to direct coach Billy Donovan to take any tanking measures, despite clearing the way for this strategy at the trade deadline.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
In the years since the Pulse tragedy, Orlando has become a city that refuses to buy into the politics of hate.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
My husband refuses to let his son move away with his ex.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
Asus Portable Monitor Deal The ZenScreen is the definitive solution for the multitasker who refuses to be limited by a single laptop screen.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026
Cutting Through Rocks is an intimate portrait of Shahverdi's fight for women's rights in a patriarchal society that refuses to acknowledge their right to exist safely and independently.
—Davi Merchan, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026
At the same time, his office refuses to answer questions about the probe.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2026
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
In an interview with TMZ, Hines revealed the actor refuses to work for anything less than $200,000 a day.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
This inclination means Karnišovas outright refuses to direct coach Billy Donovan to take any tanking measures, despite clearing the way for this strategy at the trade deadline.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
In the years since the Pulse tragedy, Orlando has become a city that refuses to buy into the politics of hate.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
My husband refuses to let his son move away with his ex.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
Asus Portable Monitor Deal The ZenScreen is the definitive solution for the multitasker who refuses to be limited by a single laptop screen.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026
Cutting Through Rocks is an intimate portrait of Shahverdi's fight for women's rights in a patriarchal society that refuses to acknowledge their right to exist safely and independently.
—Davi Merchan, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026
At the same time, his office refuses to answer questions about the probe.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refuses
Verb
-
The White House denies the comment.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Read more from Damian on the web of connections and where Nikolic, who denies any wrongdoing, has landed.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If your child rejects a new dish, don't give up hope.—
Barrie Gillies,
Parents,
9 Mar. 2026
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Many expect a work stoppage — and possibly the cancellation of games for the first time since 1995 — as the MLB owners push for a salary cap and the players union rejects one.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Both trade lanes experienced 19 percent volume declines.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Mar. 2026
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This comes at a fiscally dire time for Broward County Public Schools, which has lost significant revenue as school enrollment declines each year.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Many women face unique financial realities, such as career breaks, caregiving, and longer life expectancy, yet most financial advice ignores these factors, which can affect women in ways that differ from those of men, according to NerdWallet's personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer.—
Janay Reece,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
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The real ocean, of course, ignores those assumptions entirely.—
Marcos Magaña,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refuses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refuses. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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