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
However, in recent years, health care professionals say more parents are refusing vitamin K shots for their newborns.
—
Dr. Jade Cobern, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2026
In the Cooper case, the university did the right thing by refusing to honor the demands of powerful legislators.
—Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
In refusing damage-prone manicure techniques like gel, dip, powder, and acrylics, my nails have retained their strength and elasticity for the better part of 30 years, often drawing compliments from my manicurists.
—Madison Yauger, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
The agency is also looking at addressing drivers refusing rides because of a person’s ethnicity, race, gender, disability and other factors.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
The House Oversight Committee voted to recommend holding former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt for refusing to testify in the panel’s Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
—Philip Wang, Time, 21 Jan. 2026
While in Jamaica, the Ramírez boys were sent to a very conservative private school to learn English and were punished for refusing to sing the British national anthem in morning assembly.
—Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
She was disqualified by USA Fencing for refusing to face the opponent and hasn't competed in USA Fencing since.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Colvin, at age 15, was arrested nine months before Rosa Parks gained international fame for also refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus.
—Kimberly Chandler, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Dr. Jade Cobern, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2026
In the Cooper case, the university did the right thing by refusing to honor the demands of powerful legislators.
—Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026
In refusing damage-prone manicure techniques like gel, dip, powder, and acrylics, my nails have retained their strength and elasticity for the better part of 30 years, often drawing compliments from my manicurists.
—Madison Yauger, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
The agency is also looking at addressing drivers refusing rides because of a person’s ethnicity, race, gender, disability and other factors.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
The House Oversight Committee voted to recommend holding former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt for refusing to testify in the panel’s Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
—Philip Wang, Time, 21 Jan. 2026
While in Jamaica, the Ramírez boys were sent to a very conservative private school to learn English and were punished for refusing to sing the British national anthem in morning assembly.
—Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
She was disqualified by USA Fencing for refusing to face the opponent and hasn't competed in USA Fencing since.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Colvin, at age 15, was arrested nine months before Rosa Parks gained international fame for also refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus.
—Kimberly Chandler, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusing
Verb
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These two teams have circled each other since the Rams won the NFC West last winter based off a tiebreaker, denying Seattle the opportunity to play for a postseason spot before their Week 18 matchup.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
25 Jan. 2026
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While federal law makes Ross immune from being directly sued for assault or wrongful death in Good’s shooting, he could be named as a defendant – and end up in front of a jury – in a suit accusing him of denying Good’s civil rights.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Many callers are rejecting the dichotomy of Republican and Democratic labels when sharing personal political views.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
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In the end, Mindy says their story has never been about rejecting tradition, but expanding the idea of what love and partnership can mean.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Broward County School Board voted Wednesday to close six schools, citing declining enrollment and financial pressures after a daylong meeting that also sparked debate over potential changes to graduation venues.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
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But somewhere along the amicable journey toward a more independent Greenland actively involved in its own defense and security, a warming world with its increasingly accessible Arctic resources and declining sea ice caught the attention of nearly all world powers, great and small.—
Barry Scott Zellen,
Hartford Courant,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And ignoring that fact is now no longer a laughing matter.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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Parents react in different ways, from telling their potty-mouthed offspring to stop, to explaining why this is a bad habit, to ignoring the behavior, or even enforcing consequences as a punishment.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refusing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusing. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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