1
as in refusal
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
our supervisor's denial of unpaid personal leave got mixed reactions from the staff
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rejection
a refusal to confirm the truth of a statement
the senator issued a flat denial of the accusation against her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of denial
Colorado’s senators, Bennet and Hickenlooper, have introduced a bill that requires presidential justification for FEMA denials, and gives Congress the authority to override those denials.
—
Kelly Fleming,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
In some decisions, the justices issued a statement not attached to either a grant or denial.
—
Ken B. Morales,
ProPublica,
1 July 2026
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is in the firing line after some contentious calls — particularly after recalling veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from international retirement just before the tournament after months of denials.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
Election denial and other rhetoric have damaged public confidence in democratic institutions.
—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for denial
Kelly Fleming,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
In some decisions, the justices issued a statement not attached to either a grant or denial.
—
Ken B. Morales,
ProPublica,
1 July 2026
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is in the firing line after some contentious calls — particularly after recalling veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from international retirement just before the tournament after months of denials.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
Election denial and other rhetoric have damaged public confidence in democratic institutions.
—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for denial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denial
Noun
-
The Ducks have seven days to exercise their right of first refusal on the player, per the NHL collective bargaining agreement.
-
Republican hardliners jammed up the House floor this week, in part because of congressional leadership's refusal to attach a version of the election bill, dubbed the SAVE America Act, to the National Defense Authorization Act.
Noun
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Using basic academic terminology would place grants at risk of rejection or termination on political grounds.
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That persisted into 2026 amid disagreements over the Russian war on Ukraine, including Meloni’s rejection of a proposal by Britain and France to send European troops there following a possible ceasefire.
Cite this Entry
“Denial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denial. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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