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
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.
Recent Examples of denial
Protecting your own mental state is not avoidance or denial.
—
Annie Margaret, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
Katie’s denial was once again found to be deceptive.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Officials declined to waive the time limit for Miller, who had asked for an exception, according to its March denial letter.
—Fred Clasen-Kelly, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
The accounts also include references to Holocaust denial, and the name of one of the accounts appeared to end with a reference to a prominent white supremacist slogan.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for denial
Annie Margaret, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
Katie’s denial was once again found to be deceptive.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Officials declined to waive the time limit for Miller, who had asked for an exception, according to its March denial letter.
—Fred Clasen-Kelly, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
The accounts also include references to Holocaust denial, and the name of one of the accounts appeared to end with a reference to a prominent white supremacist slogan.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for denial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denial
Noun
-
In a sentencing order, the judge said Martinez’s refusal to express remorse for his criminal conduct closed off the judge’s ability to deliver a sentence lower than the 34 months requested by prosecutors.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Elsewhere, Javier Bardem arrived with a keffiyeh around his neck before using his red-carpet interviews to state his refusal to work with organizations affiliated with Israel.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
After multiple rejections from the auto dealership, Kim had to get creative again.—
Ernestine Siu,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The sting of rejection or criticism is universal.—
Susanne Biro,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Denial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denial. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share