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
Berry shared the news with host Jimmy Fallon on Thursday's episode of The Tonight Show, after a recent interview with The Cut garnered headlines that the Monster’s Ball actress turned down a proposal from Hunt last year.
—
Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026
White, in the final year of his contract, turned down an extension from the Bulls this past offseason, instead choosing to become an unrestricted free agent come June.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
But the court turned down the appeal in a one-line order with no explanation.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The Farmers Insurance Open begins Thursday morning at Torrey Pines, which means, at least for a few hours, the volume will be turned down on talk of the tournament’s future.
—Jay Posner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
His grandfather, Aba Goniondskis, turned down the role of Jewish police chief of the ghetto and was later killed by the Nazis.
—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
In recent years, legislators have turned down millions that would have gone toward meals for children and child care.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
The 28-year-old eventually signed a three-year contract with Leeds United three days before Everton visited Elland Road for the opening game of their respective seasons, having turned down Champions League interest.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Sherwood’s camp reportedly turned down a recent Canucks offer on an extension that was around three or four years in length with an average annual value of $4 million.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026
White, in the final year of his contract, turned down an extension from the Bulls this past offseason, instead choosing to become an unrestricted free agent come June.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
But the court turned down the appeal in a one-line order with no explanation.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The Farmers Insurance Open begins Thursday morning at Torrey Pines, which means, at least for a few hours, the volume will be turned down on talk of the tournament’s future.
—Jay Posner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
His grandfather, Aba Goniondskis, turned down the role of Jewish police chief of the ghetto and was later killed by the Nazis.
—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
In recent years, legislators have turned down millions that would have gone toward meals for children and child care.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
The 28-year-old eventually signed a three-year contract with Leeds United three days before Everton visited Elland Road for the opening game of their respective seasons, having turned down Champions League interest.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Sherwood’s camp reportedly turned down a recent Canucks offer on an extension that was around three or four years in length with an average annual value of $4 million.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turned down
Verb
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Ukraine has refused to cede the territory.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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The union claims the district has refused to engage on critical issues impacting students, including class-size reductions, special education caseloads and educator health care.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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More than 300 district judges in Minnesota and elsewhere have so far rejected the government’s mandatory detention policies, ordering detainees released or granted bond hearings.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
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That happened recently in Kansas City – where voters rejected a new stadium – and Philadelphia, where the team reversed its decision to build the arena near the city’s Chinatown.—
Gidon Jakar,
The Conversation,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Police and city leaders declined to comment on her claims when approached by CNN.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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The driver and the bicyclist, who was struck, declined to be taken to the hospital.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The first time Helena Morrissey had a child, she was passed up for a promotion.—
Katherine Fung,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
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McAtamney’s lack of field goal range also played a part in this game because the Giants passed up attempts.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Turned down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turned%20down. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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