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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refusing
New York Knicks owner James Dolan is refusing to let go of his grudge against Charles Oakley, even with the franchise back in the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years.
—
Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
He was stripped of his heavyweight title and sentenced to a five-year prison term for refusing induction into the military (the Supreme Court unanimously overturned Ali’s conviction on appeal).
—Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 4 June 2026
India is maximizing leverage across competing relationships while refusing permanent dependence on any of them.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
The president sharply criticizing the Indiana senate for refusing to take up redistricting.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
Further negotiations stalled, officials said, with the suspect allegedly refusing to release more victims.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Applicants can game the system by refusing to become finalists except as sole finalists.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026
The issue has been the subject of litigation, as one Chicago police supervisor received a settlement of just under $1 million after alleging he was removed from a citywide unit for refusing to pressure officers to meet traffic-stop and arrest quotas.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
Roblox just claimed Spatial AI by refusing to build the thing everyone else was building.
—Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
He was stripped of his heavyweight title and sentenced to a five-year prison term for refusing induction into the military (the Supreme Court unanimously overturned Ali’s conviction on appeal).
—Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 4 June 2026
India is maximizing leverage across competing relationships while refusing permanent dependence on any of them.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
The president sharply criticizing the Indiana senate for refusing to take up redistricting.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
Further negotiations stalled, officials said, with the suspect allegedly refusing to release more victims.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Applicants can game the system by refusing to become finalists except as sole finalists.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026
The issue has been the subject of litigation, as one Chicago police supervisor received a settlement of just under $1 million after alleging he was removed from a citywide unit for refusing to pressure officers to meet traffic-stop and arrest quotas.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
Roblox just claimed Spatial AI by refusing to build the thing everyone else was building.
—Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusing
Verb
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Why Designers Love Round Tables There's no denying that nostalgia is having a moment right now.—
Better Homes & Gardens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 June 2026
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There is no denying how important Manaea could be, though.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Verb
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After initially rejecting a sanctuary city designation and related proposals, the council later adopted a broader resolution aimed at protecting immigrant communities.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
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The act also is seen as a symbol of rejecting evil and a commemoration of the Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of temptation when the devil tried to dissuade him from submitting to God’s will.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Writers and reporters at the conference are learning how to improve their coverage of topics, including changes to education at the federal and state levels, the use of artificial intelligence in schools, and declining enrollment.—
Kellye Lynn,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
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As Hartford education officials work to mitigate a large budget deficit, a report from an outside firm The Connecticut State Department of Education hired to review Hartford Public Schools’ financials found that declining enrollment and decisions regarding salaries and hiring are to blame.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2026
Verb
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That’s how Ciara found out that Amanda was spending so much time at West’s house while ignoring her calls.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
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Other Democrats argued that the plan does nothing for renters and noted that Republicans were ignoring high homeowners insurance rates, which are causing financial stress to more people.—
Lawrence Mower,
Miami Herald,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refusing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusing. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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