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
Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2025
Guests can expect amenities such as 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping (including a turndown service), free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2024
Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 June 2025
With reports of some Kenyan youth turning down work opportunities abroad under the program, Ngurukie also observed that a significant chunk of the youth population preferred to work within Kenya.
—Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for turndown
Noun
The list of turndowns for Globes hosts has been high in recent years.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2025
Guests can expect amenities such as 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping (including a turndown service), free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
The driver is king: one hand on the wheel, eyes on the horizon, free to turn down that dusty side road on a whim.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 June 2025
With reports of some Kenyan youth turning down work opportunities abroad under the program, Ngurukie also observed that a significant chunk of the youth population preferred to work within Kenya.
—Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for turndown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turndown
Noun
-
The lesson is that, in today’s Britain, the refusal to pursue meaningful change leads to perpetual turbulence and instability.—
Oliver Eagleton,
Time,
5 July 2025
-
Critics and viewers alike praised its restraint, its atmosphere, its refusal to explain itself — qualities rarely associated with advertising.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
The film follows the young singer Seti, who refuses to accept the fact that women in Iran are not allowed to perform in public.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
-
Ragusa alleged in her suit that the city discriminated against her, as well as other female and minority candidates, by refusing to interview them for the job back when it was first advertised.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Losing a job, or facing creative rejection, is a very real type of grief that doesn’t always get depicted as grief.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
-
Despite the constant rejection, Van-Der-Sluis seems determined to find the love of his life.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
New York Senator Julia Salazar, who was among the electeds observing hearings Thursday called for New Yorkers to reject what is happening inside lower Manhattan immigration courts.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
5 July 2025
-
But her boss rejects her resignation, and offers her a new assignment: find Xavier, the mysterious kingpin whose power reaches all the way to the Oval Office.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
4 July 2025
Noun
-
Even under ideal conditions, restaurants operate on the tightest of margins, and these denials have been a death knell for some.—
Sofia Perez,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
In collaboration with the firm’s Civil Law Reform Unit and pro bono partners, the team also brings class action lawsuits to enjoin federal immigration policies, such as the denial of relief.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
29 June 2025
Verb
-
LeBron James already opted in to a $52.6 million deal with the Lakers for next season, the Rockets traded for Durant and the Los Angeles Clippers saw James Harden decline his option in return for a new deal and a raise.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
1 July 2025
-
At the time, Harvard declined to comment on the president’s post.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
Whether it’s packed with chicken or shrimp and served as a main dish, or filled with veggies and cheese, pasta salads are the one dish that nobody passes up.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
4 July 2025
-
Swipe up for everything your closet is missing—these early deals are too good to pass up.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turndown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turndown. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share