as in refused
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
Relevance
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 turned down
Miles turned down being a top-three pick in the WNBA draft to spend her final collegiate season in Fort Worth.
—
Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
Michelle Smith, one of Chamberlain's nieces, noted that the former 76ers star enjoyed getting involved in the community and never turned down an autograph request.
—CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
The Princess of Wales turned down a beverage during their recent outing.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Three-time Broadway performer Mark Ballas will step into the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago this spring, two decades after being turned down for a spot in the show’s ensemble.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
When public address announcer Mark Fratto introduced Young as a starter with the lights in the arena turned down, many of the fans stood and cheered.
—Josh Robbins, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Woods turned down the job last time, leading to Bradley being appointed just 14 months before the matches.
—ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
Even turned down a record deal with David Foster.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 26 Feb. 2026
Ellison turned down an invitation to testify at the hearing.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 Feb. 2026
Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
Michelle Smith, one of Chamberlain's nieces, noted that the former 76ers star enjoyed getting involved in the community and never turned down an autograph request.
—CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
The Princess of Wales turned down a beverage during their recent outing.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Three-time Broadway performer Mark Ballas will step into the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago this spring, two decades after being turned down for a spot in the show’s ensemble.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
When public address announcer Mark Fratto introduced Young as a starter with the lights in the arena turned down, many of the fans stood and cheered.
—Josh Robbins, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Woods turned down the job last time, leading to Bradley being appointed just 14 months before the matches.
—ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
Even turned down a record deal with David Foster.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 26 Feb. 2026
Ellison turned down an invitation to testify at the hearing.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turned down
Verb
-
The man refused a security officer’s instructions to leave the front of the stage, so after a brief back-and-forth, he was physically removed to a chorus of audience boos.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Democrats have refused to approve DHS's budget unless GOP lawmakers and the White House agree on changes to how immigration officers operate after the fatal shooting of two American citizens in Minneapolis.—
Joel Rose,
NPR,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In 2019, a bill requiring the Department of Public Health and the University of Connecticut to study female genital mutilation in the state was rejected by the Senate.—
Emilia Otte,
Hartford Courant,
12 Mar. 2026
-
But Patrick rejected the idea that funding battles would doom the effort.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Washington declined to intervene as the regime violently suppressed them.—
Younes Mohammad,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
-
San Diego County has a lengthy history of jail deaths, although the rate has declined in recent years under Sheriff Kelly Martinez.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Streisand was indeed present at the Shubert, but in a show of remarkable discipline and sacrifice, passed up the opportunity to go onstage and give an acceptance speech.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Kennard passed up the shot, instead clanking a mid-range look off the backboard.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turned down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turned%20down. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
