1
as in denying
to be unwilling to grant
the reclusive movie star usually refuses requests for interviews
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Defend Our Juries remained defiant, refusing to cancel the protest.
—
Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Maura is marvelous stomping around the apartment in a cold fury and refusing to speak to Clara, who proceeds regardless with broker negotiations and brings in antiques dealer Abslam (Ahmed Boulane) to buy up the contents.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
However, the drop-off could also be attributed to people refusing to answer surveys or not indicating their nativity status, economists note.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
His aggressive defense tactics—including refusing to reveal sources and challenging judicial conduct—led to his brief imprisonment and ultimately the removal of the presiding Judge, Ural Glanville.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
But our industry — and artists around the world — have a long history of refusing to be silenced, even in the darkest times.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
But our industry—and artists around the world—have a long history of refusing to be silenced, even in the darkest times.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Advertisement Jimmy’s quick return is not proof of corporate backbone—massive station groups Sinclair and NexStar are still refusing to air the show.
—Lizz Winstead, Time, 27 Sep. 2025
Earlier this month, another passenger was dragged off a plane by police for allegedly refusing to wear a seatbelt.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Maura is marvelous stomping around the apartment in a cold fury and refusing to speak to Clara, who proceeds regardless with broker negotiations and brings in antiques dealer Abslam (Ahmed Boulane) to buy up the contents.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
However, the drop-off could also be attributed to people refusing to answer surveys or not indicating their nativity status, economists note.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
His aggressive defense tactics—including refusing to reveal sources and challenging judicial conduct—led to his brief imprisonment and ultimately the removal of the presiding Judge, Ural Glanville.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
But our industry — and artists around the world — have a long history of refusing to be silenced, even in the darkest times.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
But our industry—and artists around the world—have a long history of refusing to be silenced, even in the darkest times.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Advertisement Jimmy’s quick return is not proof of corporate backbone—massive station groups Sinclair and NexStar are still refusing to air the show.
—Lizz Winstead, Time, 27 Sep. 2025
Earlier this month, another passenger was dragged off a plane by police for allegedly refusing to wear a seatbelt.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusing
Verb
-
If implemented and successful in resolving claim disputes faster and in a fairer way for everyone involved, the Lone Star State could become a model for other states where homeowners have expressed frustration against carriers underpaying or denying damage claim repayments, like Florida.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Still, there’s no denying that horror is integral to the midnight movie, and the late Father of Zombies is widely credited with giving both genres their progressive political reputations.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Despite rejecting his proposal, her feelings for him stayed the same.—
Katie Mannion,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The countries now recognizing a Palestinian state and publicly committing themselves to the prospect are rejecting that premise and denying the settler right’s attempt at a fait accompli.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Schools are facing mounting challenges — from funding pressures to declining enrollment and stagnant student achievement.—
Kayla Huynh,
jsonline.com,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Low midsingle-digit gains are anticipated due to rising prices from tariffs and inflation, declining consumer confidence, economic uncertainties and potential stockouts.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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And while everyone has their own preferred ways of watching a game, ignoring the little things is an easy way to miss greatness.—
Joe Kozlowski,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Within less than a year, the Sheriff’s Office had issued corrective action notices to NaphCare for failing to pay outside hospitals and medical specialists, using unlicensed staff and ignoring requests to replace broken medical equipment, among other deficiencies.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refusing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusing. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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