TURNDOWN Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

turndown 1 of 2

noun

ˈtərn-ˌdau̇n

Definition of turndown

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

turn down

2 of 2

verb

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

Noun

Here, dozens of beautiful bedside carafes that bring a little five-star-hotel energy home—turndown service unfortunately not included. — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026 Nightly turndown service includes a sweet treat from local bean-to-bar company, Pollinator Chocolate. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 June 2026

Verb

Twenty years ago, European broadcasters desperate to scale — to get big or die — got turned down by regulators not yet convinced this new-fangled internet was all that. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 The local Paiute tribes, expert with horses, have offered their services but were turned down. — Steve Searles, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turndown

Recent Examples of Synonyms for turndown

Noun

Trump has repeatedly criticized Spain over the government’s refusal to commit to NATO’s target of spending 5% of gross domestic product on defense, making numerous threats of trade reprisals.

— Reuters, NBC news, 17 July 2026
The appearance came several months after Roy withdrew from the Berlin Film Festival over its refusal to comment on Gaza.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 July 2026

Definition of refusal

Verb

Varela said a customer service representative refused to help fix an issue with his daughter’s ticket, which had incorrectly listed her last name as her middle name due to an error his wife accidentally made when booking the flight a few months ago.

— Thom Jensen, NBC news, 20 July 2026
Gavin refuses to use a byproduct solely because it would otherwise be discarded.

— Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of refuse

Noun

The fact that she was passed over for a promotion by the genial yet unimpressive Baasu (Kunal Dudheker) is not revelatory — women often face these kinds of rejections where qualifications are no substitute for hierarchical comfort.

— David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
Despite the feeling of discouragement that can come with the rejections and even ghostings applicants face, these internships — though sometimes few and far between — still exist.

— Cami Fateh, Vogue, 15 July 2026

Definition of rejection

Verb

Netanyahu had rejected any role in Gaza for the Palestinian Authority (without publicly endorsing an alternative).

— David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Conversely, when a judge rejects a motion for an injunction, companies can move to complete a takeover deal quickly.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of reject

Noun

After all, 27% of small businesses reported facing a customer data breach, while 26% experienced a ransomware attack or a denial of service attack, according to cybersecurity firm VikingCloud.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 16 July 2026
The lawmakers’ request — a moment of bipartisan scrutiny on a controversial federal health care program — comes just one month after a government investigation unearthed a continuing pattern of denials within Medicare Advantage.

— Casey Ross, STAT, 15 July 2026

Definition of denial

Verb

During the initial June 11 to June 20 period, revenue per room rates fell in the Miami area on eight of ten nights compared to 2025 while occupancy declined on every one of the 10 nights, according to CoStar.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
MedStar Washington Hospital Center cites financial pressure and declining birth rates.

— Kendall Staton, Washington Post, 17 July 2026

Definition of decline

Verb

Remake includes footage of Adrian urging his father to consider Carr’s offer, and gently scolding him for having passed up certain opportunities to make money—money that would have made the family's life better—off his filmmaking acumen.

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026
But in its filing, the Times’ legal team wrote that the person chosen for the role as deputy real estate editor was more qualified than the person who was passed up for the job, Bryant Roussau.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 July 2026

Definition of pass up

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turn color

turndown

turn down

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Style

“Turndown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turndown. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of turndown

noun

verb

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