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
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Recent Examples of turndown
Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025
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
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026
Working parents have complained of needing to turn down free 3-K and pre-K because the programs offered did not provide extended hours or even after-school for a fee, requiring them to leave their jobs early to pick up their children.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turndown
Noun
By adapting this architecture specifically for hydrogen, the company claims to have achieved the highest current density and turndown ratios in the alkaline category.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025
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
Verb
Aries March 21 – April 19 The universe is turning down the volume.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026
Working parents have complained of needing to turn down free 3-K and pre-K because the programs offered did not provide extended hours or even after-school for a fee, requiring them to leave their jobs early to pick up their children.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turndown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turndown
Noun
-
Artificial intelligence systems do not possess human intelligence and therefore should not be granted rights or protections reserved for people, as evidenced by the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear a case challenging the requirement that copyrightable works must have human authorship.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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But for those who are tending toward cosmetic refusal anyway, the Commission’s words might be just the spiritual ticket.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Even more concerning was that the reservoir continually shrunk in its scale as owners of the land refused to sell, forcing engineers to work with a smaller footprint and alarming scientists.—
Michael Adno,
Rolling Stone,
3 Mar. 2026
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In the wake of the federal probe, the city has refused to answer basic questions about the subpoena and the allegations that have roiled Kansas City politics.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Researchers say a growing number of young people are turning to AI to navigate social situations — drafting rejection texts, decoding mixed signals and scripting difficult conversations.—
Asuka Koda,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
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The rejection of the application, highly unusual for the FDA, prompted Moderna to go public with Prasad's decision and vow to formally challenge it.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Khan was sentenced Monday after San Joaquin Superior Court Judge Richard Mallett rejected his motion to withdraw his no contest plea in the criminal case, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday in a news release.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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McClain and three other runners who followed the lead vehicle appealed after their protest of the order of finish was rejected.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While Congress recently took an important step by enacting PBM reform, that alone will not fix the systemic delays and denials facing cancer patients today.—
Alex Mejia Garcia,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
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Immigration bond denial rates by month have risen since last summer, from less than 50% in June to more than 62% in December, according to data from Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Iranian retaliatory attacks appear to be declining — ballistic missile strikes have fallen by 90% and drone attacks by 83%, according to US Central Command — potentially easing pressure on Gulf states that have faced Iranian strikes in recent days.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
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Bonta’s office declined to comment.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Though Shaynak had concerns about his mobility as an actor, the opportunity to be on The Pitt felt like too great a chance to pass up.—
Marah Eakin,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
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The Patriots would also like to get younger at this position, but Goedert may be too good to pass up if the stars align.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turndown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turndown. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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