as in refusal
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
the request to use the restroom was just a formality—I really didn't expect a turndown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to refuse
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
I'm afraid that I will have to turn down your invitation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 turndown
Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel helps guests prepare for silverback sightings by providing complimentary gaiters, backpacks and hats; packing lunch for the outing; and leaving walking sticks as turndown amenities.
—Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
In 2024, Jackson County voters turned down an extension of a 3/8-cent sales tax that would have been used to help fund a new baseball stadium and refurbish Arrowhead Stadium.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turndown
Noun
Usually left on guests' beds during turndown service, the fabric sculptures can range from simple swans and bunnies to elaborate elephants, monkeys, or even sea creatures.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel helps guests prepare for silverback sightings by providing complimentary gaiters, backpacks and hats; packing lunch for the outing; and leaving walking sticks as turndown amenities.
—Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
No one in the South will be able to turn down a slice of this special confection.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
In 2024, Jackson County voters turned down an extension of a 3/8-cent sales tax that would have been used to help fund a new baseball stadium and refurbish Arrowhead Stadium.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turndown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turndown
Noun
-
House Republicans are preparing a contempt resolution for Clinton and his wife next week over their refusal to testify as part of their Epstein investigation.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Jan. 2026
-
In one case, the refusal of Homeland Security officials to back down may cause video footage that further undercuts their narrative to become public.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Kelley, who did not respond to a comment request, advised participants to roll up their windows, remain silent, and refuse to open doors if agents approach.—
Christina Buttons,
Washington Post,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Clintons last year, but the pair called the subpoenas legally invalid and refused to appear before the panel, which is probing the Justice Department's investigations into Epstein.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Calling for an independent transportation study is not a rejection of women’s professional soccer.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
-
A week before being taken into custody, Lemon predicted he’d be arrested, despite Schiltz's rejection of the government's previous attempts to apprehend him.—
Danielle Bacher,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That attempt was rejected, and in October 2023, LIV’s application was formally denied.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Jimenez, in part, criticized Gilbert’s proposal to put a commissioner on the panel that recommends an inspector general candidate for the commission to either accept or reject.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Trump has also left the door open to resuming nuclear deal negotiations that collapsed last summer, something the regime has signaled openness to despite their denials of ever desiring or possessing nuclear weapons.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Emily Bavar, editor of the newspaper’s Florida Magazine, had face-to-face denials from Disney, but also stacks of clues from him that suggested otherwise.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The driver and bicyclist declined to be transported to the hospital, according to officials.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The sheriff declined to answer several questions, including one from a reporter who asked if there was a ransom demanded.—
Adam Sabes , Michael Ruiz , Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
And for me, the opportunity to work with coach Harbaugh was too good to pass up.—
Greg Beacham,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
But Barnett couldn’t pass up the Utah project.—
Jennifer Kester,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turndown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turndown. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
