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
Since Saturday, Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, has been camped out in the heart of New Delhi, leading a crowd of protesters who are refusing to leave until the country’s education minister resigns over a national exam system mired in scandal.
—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Fortunately for the Yankees, Bednar has returned to his All-Star form in recent weeks, refusing to allow a run over 12 innings and 11 games prior to Thursday’s series opener against the Red Sox.
—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
25 June 2026
Some heritage brands are refusing to act old.
—
Slma Shelbayah,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Some 24 people have been cleared, either through a grand jury refusing to indict, the dismissal of charges by prosecutors, or, in the one case that went to trial, a not-guilty verdict by a jury.
—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
The development comes as tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula, with Kim pushing to strengthen both nuclear and conventional military capabilities while refusing to return to talks with South Korea and the United States.
—
ABC News,
25 June 2026
Goldman was slammed for refusing to decline support during this race from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, which has become a significant split in various Democratic primaries this year.
—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
In a shocking decision in February, Prasad rejected Moderna’s filing, refusing to even review the vaccine.
—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
18 June 2026
Anyway, David has been in a Maine prison for five years, refusing to have visitors — until his ex-wife’s sister Rachel (Britt Lower), a former reporter with the Boston Globe, comes to see him.
—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2026
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Fortunately for the Yankees, Bednar has returned to his All-Star form in recent weeks, refusing to allow a run over 12 innings and 11 games prior to Thursday’s series opener against the Red Sox.
—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
25 June 2026
Some heritage brands are refusing to act old.
—
Slma Shelbayah,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Some 24 people have been cleared, either through a grand jury refusing to indict, the dismissal of charges by prosecutors, or, in the one case that went to trial, a not-guilty verdict by a jury.
—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
The development comes as tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula, with Kim pushing to strengthen both nuclear and conventional military capabilities while refusing to return to talks with South Korea and the United States.
—
ABC News,
25 June 2026
Goldman was slammed for refusing to decline support during this race from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, which has become a significant split in various Democratic primaries this year.
—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
In a shocking decision in February, Prasad rejected Moderna’s filing, refusing to even review the vaccine.
—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
18 June 2026
Anyway, David has been in a Maine prison for five years, refusing to have visitors — until his ex-wife’s sister Rachel (Britt Lower), a former reporter with the Boston Globe, comes to see him.
—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusing
Verb
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There’s no denying that Lola Tung has impeccable style—I’m constantly referencing her fierce street style looks—so copying her accessory of choice feels like a safe move.
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Resident cites road, school crowding concerns Resident Kacey Pope urged the board to recommend denying the rezonings, and no residents spoke in favor of the projects.
Verb
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However, late Wednesday night, council members finalized plans, rejecting a proposal that would've raised the building's height and delayed the opening date.
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As LLMs and autonomous workflows proliferate, human judgment in curating, refining, and rejecting AI output becomes increasingly valuable.
Verb
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With only a week of freedom under his belt, Cribbs said Powell is declining interviews for now, reentering the world with some trepidation.
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Investors must focus on forward-looking changes and a clear path for value realization, understanding that a declining stock isn't safer if its intrinsic value falls faster.
Verb
-
Employers are not ignoring these problems.
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Today, the organization is notorious for ignoring infrastructure maintenance in favor of massive building projects.
Cite this Entry
“Refusing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusing. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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