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
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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
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The book club always politely declines, given its specific chemistry.—
Maddie Connors,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
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Interest rates don't tell the full story One supposed silver-lining in the economy of 2026 that consumers had been hopeful was still ahead is a lower-rate environment as inflation declines, but the war and the surge in oil prices has upended the policymaking assumptions of central banks.—
Kevin Williams,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
The suggestion that a single day of civic action meaningfully undermines academic progress ignores the broader challenges students and educators face every day — challenges that often require advocacy to address.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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The report ignores antisemitism, said longtime resident Alan Brownstein.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refuses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refuses. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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