1
as in denying
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 rejecting
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refusing
In 1999, the IRS and the Department of Justice served him with an order requiring him to appear in federal court and explain why he shouldn’t be held in contempt for refusing to disclose information about his bank accounts and assets.
—
Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The new fines will range from $100 up to $1,000 for each offense, including increasing rent, decreasing services or refusing to renew a rental agreement because the tenant has complained about a housing violation in good faith.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Cities in California and Washington state similarly passed laws to prevent businesses from refusing cash as a form of payment, McClatchy Media said.
—Hali Smith
april 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2026
Elmer said his father, a former police officer who had a car rental business in Honduras’ capital city, was gunned down after refusing to pay off a local gang.
—Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026
The former South Carolina guard was drafted by the Indiana Fever on Monday, April 13, meaning Johnson and Clark will now be teammates, three years after the former Iowa star taunted Johnson by refusing to defend her in the national semifinal game.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
And then there is the issue of ongoing impatience, in refusing at any recent point to step back into the lottery.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
In the show’s second season, Mo (creator-star Mo Amer) finds himself in Mexico, facing down the immigration system while refusing to compromise his beliefs, ultimately risking everything to cross the border illegally in search of home.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026
Dem candidate takes swipe at Joe Rogan after refusing to disavow Hasan Piker's past comments.
—FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The new fines will range from $100 up to $1,000 for each offense, including increasing rent, decreasing services or refusing to renew a rental agreement because the tenant has complained about a housing violation in good faith.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Cities in California and Washington state similarly passed laws to prevent businesses from refusing cash as a form of payment, McClatchy Media said.
—Hali Smith
april 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2026
Elmer said his father, a former police officer who had a car rental business in Honduras’ capital city, was gunned down after refusing to pay off a local gang.
—Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026
The former South Carolina guard was drafted by the Indiana Fever on Monday, April 13, meaning Johnson and Clark will now be teammates, three years after the former Iowa star taunted Johnson by refusing to defend her in the national semifinal game.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
And then there is the issue of ongoing impatience, in refusing at any recent point to step back into the lottery.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
In the show’s second season, Mo (creator-star Mo Amer) finds himself in Mexico, facing down the immigration system while refusing to compromise his beliefs, ultimately risking everything to cross the border illegally in search of home.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026
Dem candidate takes swipe at Joe Rogan after refusing to disavow Hasan Piker's past comments.
—FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusing
Verb
-
His complaint alleged that the state’s actions had left him with a financial burden of more than $20,000 per year by denying the vouchers to both of his children.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Pressed by rival camps, pursued by the political press corps, the claims were largely confined to unvetted corners of the internet until this week, when Swalwell’s campaign — knowing the whispers were getting louder — issued a public statement denying any wrongdoing.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Trump has criticized European countries for rejecting or hesitating to get involved in the war with Iran.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
17 Apr. 2026
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Questionable fee calculations, bait and switch practices and rejecting measures to improve transparency are not ways to earn that support.—
Jan Goldsmith,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office also reviewed evidence from West Jordan before declining to file charges.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Birth rates and fertility trends The administration is overhauling Title X in the context of declining birth rates.—
Dr. Céline Gounder,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Separate video from Washington shows House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries ignoring a CNN reporter’s question about what should happen with Cherfilus-McCormick.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
-
In that 2024 series, the Wolves used Rudy Gobert as a roving rim protector while ignoring Aaron Gordon in the corner.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refusing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusing. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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