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
Cisco’s purchase also includes an agreement that gives Cisco a right of first refusal to buy some of the buildings under certain circumstances.
—
George Avalos, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
Added to Crumb’s geographical isolation is his refusal to own a computer, to have access to the internet, or to use a cell phone.
—David Zane Mairowitz, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2025
The attack has placed heightened scrutiny on rising antisemitism in Australia and what Jewish leaders say was the government's refusal to act against it.
—Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
The lodge also has reportedly failed to adhere to the regulations set forth by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and violated a conditional license agreement while appealing the LCB's refusal to renew its license.
—Patrick Damp, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
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.
George Avalos, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
Added to Crumb’s geographical isolation is his refusal to own a computer, to have access to the internet, or to use a cell phone.
—David Zane Mairowitz, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2025
The attack has placed heightened scrutiny on rising antisemitism in Australia and what Jewish leaders say was the government's refusal to act against it.
—Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
The lodge also has reportedly failed to adhere to the regulations set forth by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and violated a conditional license agreement while appealing the LCB's refusal to renew its license.
—Patrick Damp, CBS News, 20 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share