1
as in denying
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 rejecting
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 refusing
The lawsuit states that Kuka has singlehandedly caused irreparable harm to Boca View by refusing to abide by Florida law and the association’s own bylaws in order to further her self-serving agenda.
—
Nicole R. Kurtz,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
While his blunt and disruptive approach can alienate others, the character illustrates that disruptive leaders often accelerate innovation by asking questions and refusing to accept the status quo.
—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Dan Dakich says Thomas' response is part of a larger pattern of WNBA players refusing to take responsibility for their own actions.
—
Dan Zaksheske Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
North Korea was ejected from the Asian qualifying tournament after refusing to play in Israel.
—
Deborah Danan,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
So began my illustrious career as an artist refusing to compromise my artistic integrity.
—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
29 June 2026
Iran was evading our sanctions, threatening its neighbors and refusing to take steps that would definitively limit its nuclear program.
—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
28 June 2026
Since Saturday, Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, has been camped out in the heart of New Delhi, leading a crowd of protesters who are refusing to leave until the country’s education minister resigns over a national exam system mired in scandal.
—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Some 24 people have been cleared, either through a grand jury refusing to indict, the dismissal of charges by prosecutors, or, in the one case that went to trial, a not-guilty verdict by a jury.
—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
Nicole R. Kurtz,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
While his blunt and disruptive approach can alienate others, the character illustrates that disruptive leaders often accelerate innovation by asking questions and refusing to accept the status quo.
—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Dan Dakich says Thomas' response is part of a larger pattern of WNBA players refusing to take responsibility for their own actions.
—
Dan Zaksheske Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
North Korea was ejected from the Asian qualifying tournament after refusing to play in Israel.
—
Deborah Danan,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
So began my illustrious career as an artist refusing to compromise my artistic integrity.
—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
29 June 2026
Iran was evading our sanctions, threatening its neighbors and refusing to take steps that would definitively limit its nuclear program.
—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
28 June 2026
Since Saturday, Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, has been camped out in the heart of New Delhi, leading a crowd of protesters who are refusing to leave until the country’s education minister resigns over a national exam system mired in scandal.
—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Some 24 people have been cleared, either through a grand jury refusing to indict, the dismissal of charges by prosecutors, or, in the one case that went to trial, a not-guilty verdict by a jury.
—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusing
Verb
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But there’s no denying McIlroy was looking sleek with his Masters jacket, which was accompanied by a white shirt and green tie to match.
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Responsible leadership means proactively preparing the enterprise workforce for this imminent organizational down-sizing and structural workplace transition rather than denying its clear historical inevitability.
Verb
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As with any tax relief company, there are complaints about the IRS rejecting a settlement or the company not getting enough relief.
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Florida leads the nation with 375 active 287(g) agreements, and Attorney General James Uthmeier has previously threatened officials in Fort Myers and Key West with removal from office for rejecting such deals.
Verb
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After years of declining sales, American Girl dolls are seeing a resurgence.
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The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.
Verb
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Make Participation Effortless Reduce friction to the point where using it feels like less effort than ignoring it.
-
For example, today, Americans might believe that the demands of racial equity or of evangelical Christianity are so pressing that executive power would be justified in ignoring the legislature or the judiciary to serve them.
Cite this Entry
“Refusing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusing. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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