refusal

noun

re·​fus·​al ri-ˈfyü-zəl How to pronounce refusal (audio)
Synonyms of refusalnext
1
: the act of refusing or denying
2
: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking before others

Synonyms of refusal

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Examples of refusal in a Sentence

My request for more money was met with a flat refusal. his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Nothing on the league's refusal to do anything about these incidents. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 Her growth came from a deliberate refusal to build through gatekeepers first. — Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 That said, the court's refusal to intervene at this point is at least a tentative signal that favors the law. — Nina Totenberg, NPR, 6 July 2026 Fans showered Ovechkin with cheers and adulation, despite his refusal to acknowledge the surrounding uncertainty. — Sean Gentille, New York Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for refusal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refusal was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing refusal

Rhymes for refusal

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Cite this Entry

“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refusal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

refusal

noun
re·​fus·​al ri-ˈfyü-zəl How to pronounce refusal (audio)
1
: the act of refusing or denying
2
: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking (as a purchase) before others

More from Merriam-Webster on refusal

Nglish: Translation of refusal for Spanish Speakers

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