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
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Recent Examples of turned down
The British newspaper reported that Hockney is believed to have turned down a knighthood on several occasions and is said to have once refused an invitation to paint the late Queen Elizabeth.
—
Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
In February, he was turned down for another job.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Aguirre turned down a four-year contract offer from the FMF to remain as Mexico’s coach.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
But by Wednesday night, two artists had already backed out of or turned down the opportunity.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Reck has turned down multiple offers to move to Silicon Valley since the site launched in 2009 because Europe has clear advantages.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 28 May 2026
Pawlikowski initially turned down the opportunity to adapt the book into a full-on biographical film of Mann’s life.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 May 2026
As Cal and Belle are being shot at, Kayce, who just turned down Tom’s offer to buy his East Camp ranch, is riding off into the sunset with his new love interest, Weaver’s daughter Dolly (Ellyn Jameson), and Kayce’s son Tate is heading off with Tom — neither aware of the threat lurking ahead.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 2026
Who among us would have turned down a pay increase, the status of being one of 20 Premier League managers and, most crucially of all, the opportunity to move back home and see your young family every day rather than once or twice each week when training schedules allowed?
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
In February, he was turned down for another job.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Aguirre turned down a four-year contract offer from the FMF to remain as Mexico’s coach.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
But by Wednesday night, two artists had already backed out of or turned down the opportunity.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Reck has turned down multiple offers to move to Silicon Valley since the site launched in 2009 because Europe has clear advantages.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 28 May 2026
Pawlikowski initially turned down the opportunity to adapt the book into a full-on biographical film of Mann’s life.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 May 2026
As Cal and Belle are being shot at, Kayce, who just turned down Tom’s offer to buy his East Camp ranch, is riding off into the sunset with his new love interest, Weaver’s daughter Dolly (Ellyn Jameson), and Kayce’s son Tate is heading off with Tom — neither aware of the threat lurking ahead.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 2026
Who among us would have turned down a pay increase, the status of being one of 20 Premier League managers and, most crucially of all, the opportunity to move back home and see your young family every day rather than once or twice each week when training schedules allowed?
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turned down
Verb
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When insurance twice refused to cover a nearly $800,000-a-year drug that Paxton Pope’s doctor believed could dramatically reduce his frequent seizures, his family initially braced for a serious medical setback.—
Vicky Nguyen,
NBC news,
11 Dec. 2025
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While most Democratic senators pushed to keep the shutdown going as Republicans refused to negotiate, a small group of centrist Democrats struck a deal with Majority Leader John Thune for a future health care vote, with no guarantee of success, in exchange for their votes to reopen the government.—
Mary Clare Jalonick,
Fortune,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Ivan said that while he is allowed to communicate with his youngest brothers, his requests to visit have been rejected by those in charge.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
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The employee rejected his advances and reported it to supervisors, Golf Digest reported.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Griffith, who declined to comment after the hearing, did not identify the man by his name or job.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
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Kikuchi’s strikeout rate has declined from 32% last year to 24%, while his walk rate increased from 6% to 10%.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Most general manager candidates cannot afford to be picky, especially those on the older end of the spectrum who have been passed up for previous jobs.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
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But LaCombe inexplicably passed up the shot for a pass, and the Golden Knights survived what appeared would be a sure Ducks goal.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turned down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turned%20down. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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