refusal
noun
re·fus·al
ri-ˈfyü-zəl 
1
: the act of refusing or denying
2
: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking before others
Examples of refusal in a Sentence
My request for more money was met with a flat refusal.
his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
Recent Examples on the Web
The problem with this type of refusal is that a cat-and-mouse gambit is likely to ensue.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
His refusal to run scrambles the GOP field and gives Ossoff breathing room in what was expected to be the marquee race of the cycle.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
What to make of North Korea’s refusal to play ball?
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025
Since they are restricted free agents, their 2024-25 teams have right of first refusal, meaning if Grimes, for example, signed an offer sheet with another franchise, the Sixers could match it to bring him back for the same price.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
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Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
His refusal to run scrambles the GOP field and gives Ossoff breathing room in what was expected to be the marquee race of the cycle.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
What to make of North Korea’s refusal to play ball?
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025
Since they are restricted free agents, their 2024-25 teams have right of first refusal, meaning if Grimes, for example, signed an offer sheet with another franchise, the Sixers could match it to bring him back for the same price.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refusal. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
refusal
noun
re·fus·al
ri-ˈfyü-zəl
1
: the act of refusing or denying
2
: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking (as a purchase) before others
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