1
as in denies
to be unwilling to grant
the reclusive movie star usually refuses requests for interviews
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rejects
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
she refused the award, citing the hard work of others who deserved the recognition more than she did
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refuses
Each person gets a single scene but feels utterly real, with Will Dagger a standout as the cousin, leaking needy bravado, and Constance Shulman very funny as the funeral director, determined to stage a party for a host who refuses to throw one.
—
Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
The journalist turns his attention to Oda Sotatsu, a man who has admitted to a string of disappearances but refuses to speak another word after surrendering to police.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 May 2026
How about the fact that Las Vegas refuses to let Bruce Cassidy interview for other coaching jobs?
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
This is a movie that defiantly refuses to ask us to take a stand in a polarized society, but rather consider that nothing is necessarily black and white, only shades of gray.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 May 2026
What followed was a film that refuses to stay in the past.
—Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Elsa’s inquisitive presence almost instantly irritates Amalia, as the latter refuses to simply acquiesce to her relentless quizzing.
—Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
Coppola’s Vietnam epic alongside Schlöndorff’s surreal story about a child who refuses to grow up as Europe descends into madness.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Footloose is also name-checked, which is technically not a horror movie but is about a small town that stubbornly refuses to change.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 13 May 2026
Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
The journalist turns his attention to Oda Sotatsu, a man who has admitted to a string of disappearances but refuses to speak another word after surrendering to police.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 May 2026
How about the fact that Las Vegas refuses to let Bruce Cassidy interview for other coaching jobs?
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
This is a movie that defiantly refuses to ask us to take a stand in a polarized society, but rather consider that nothing is necessarily black and white, only shades of gray.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 May 2026
What followed was a film that refuses to stay in the past.
—Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Elsa’s inquisitive presence almost instantly irritates Amalia, as the latter refuses to simply acquiesce to her relentless quizzing.
—Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
Coppola’s Vietnam epic alongside Schlöndorff’s surreal story about a child who refuses to grow up as Europe descends into madness.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Footloose is also name-checked, which is technically not a horror movie but is about a small town that stubbornly refuses to change.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 13 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refuses
Verb
-
Swalwell denies the allegations.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
-
Iran denies ever withdrawing from the Venice Biennale, and the Somalia Pavilion sparks controversy.—
Devorah Lauter,
ARTnews.com,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
In many ways, the collection rejects the rigidity that has long defined traditional menswear, prioritizing emotional connection and ease over overt trend cycles or hyper-masculine dressing.—
Karin Eldor,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
-
The island's ruling party rejects that claim.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
As his mobility declines, he’s been unable to extend plays to attack downfield and has appeared unwilling to take some of the contact necessary to create explosive plays.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
As Simpson declines, the actress appears frail, diminished, stripped of poise and makeup.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Criminalization also ignores the realities of mental health and poverty.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
-
One brave man ignores a greeting.—
Sophie Monks Kaufman,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refuses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refuses. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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