as in rejection
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 refusal
In addition, this is the date when qualifying offers to retain the right of first refusal are due on the contracts of two-way players Dru Smith and Isaiah Stevens.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2025
The sculpture’s location itself is one of total urban deletion and communicative displacement as much as the sculptural structure is one of perceptual withdrawal and refusal of even a minimum of gratifying tactility.
—Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Despite battlefield advances, Putin has reportedly agreed in principle to begin drafting a peace framework following a two-hour call with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has voiced frustration over Putin’s refusal to engage with Kyiv directly and recent large-scale Russian attacks.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Her refusal to be anything other than fully, unapologetically herself.
—Skye P. Marshall, IndieWire, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2025
The sculpture’s location itself is one of total urban deletion and communicative displacement as much as the sculptural structure is one of perceptual withdrawal and refusal of even a minimum of gratifying tactility.
—Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Despite battlefield advances, Putin has reportedly agreed in principle to begin drafting a peace framework following a two-hour call with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has voiced frustration over Putin’s refusal to engage with Kyiv directly and recent large-scale Russian attacks.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Her refusal to be anything other than fully, unapologetically herself.
—Skye P. Marshall, IndieWire, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusal
Noun
-
Trump’s rejection of the proposal was first reported by Reuters.—
Aamer Madhani,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2025
-
Panelists discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran—and the rejection of Trump’s dealmaking efforts.—
The Editors,
The Atlantic,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
The impact on international travelers varies: tourism, work, and student visa applicants from affected countries may face delays or denials.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
-
In its best moments, which are fantastic, Claudio dives deep into the unsettling nature of memory loss and denial but also into our incredible ability to recall and survive things from long ago.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusal. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share