rejection

noun

ri-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce rejection (audio)
Definition of rejectionnext
1
as in denial
a refusal to confirm the truth of a statement made a flat rejection of the charges against him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refusal
an unwillingness to grant something asked for the judge's swift rejection of the lawyer's request for a recess

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discard
something separated from a group or lot for not being as good as the others that pile is for rejections, and this one is for applications we'll be accepting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rejection If a bin contains unapproved items, a rejection ticket will be issued explaining the contamination. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026 The price-to-value ratio is also growing in importance, with price rejection now a structural phenomenon across all consumer tiers. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 7 July 2026 For Raghozar, the rejections and disappointments altered her mentality and motivation entirely. — Kayla Lee, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 Infrared rejection, often a feature of premium films, can block 80-97% of infrared radiation. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rejection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rejection
  1. denial
  2. refusal
  3. discard
  4. reject
  5. second
  6. cull
Noun
  • The denial was a hit to Wilber’s spirit, but Yadira tried to calm the restless teenager.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • The birthright citizenship decision was decided on merits after full oral arguments, while the Carroll petition asks the court to reconsider its decision to not hear the case, known as a denial of certiorari.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of denial
Noun
  • This strategic refusal is a major plot point in the episode, reflecting a history that led the New York Times to report in 1921 that the Osage had the greatest per capita wealth in the world.
    — Max Gao, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
  • Tensions between the two countries mounted last year with Spain's refusal to commit to investing 5% of GDP annually on defense by 2035, after other member states agreed to the target at last year's summit.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 9 July 2026
Definition of refusal
Noun
  • Strain banana milk through a sieve into a large bowl; discard peels.
    — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • Li has dedicated freezer bags for different dishes, like vegetable scraps for soups or fruit discards for smoothies.
    — Emily Siner, NPR, 27 June 2026
Definition of discard
Noun
  • The most opinionated of these rejects is Smarty Pants, a basic toilet-training tech tool given an amusingly snarky attitude by Conan O’Brien.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • Today, there are hundreds of rejects packed in wood cabinets and cardboard boxes.
    — Steve Hartman, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
Definition of reject
Noun
  • There have been 35 goals within five seconds of a corner being taken.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Players each have 30 seconds on a personal clock, so whoever takes the longest and runs out of time first — sometimes because Jacquis calls for detailed clarifications — gets booted.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Definition of second
Noun
  • The same strain has forced record culls and pushed up egg prices across North America and Europe, and Australian flocks have no exposure to it.
    — John Drake, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Since the decision, residents and conservationists around the country have rallied around the geese, urging the HOA to reconsider the cull and find nonlethal measures to control the population.
    — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Definition of cull

Browse Nearby Words

rejecting
rejection
rejections
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Cite this Entry

“Rejection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rejection. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rejection

Nglish: Translation of rejection for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rejection

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