REFUSENIK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

refusenik

noun

variants also refusnik

Definition of refusenik

as in refuser

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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 refusenik Even Vanguard, the last refusenik, reversed itself in December to allow third-party crypto ETFs and is now hiring a digital-assets head. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 This, too, meshes with the politics of the time, given the lure that Canada had for those fleeing the draft, and the dangers faced by refuseniks who stayed behind. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025 Instead, Elam became a refusenik, as conscientious objectors are called in Israel, over his disapproval of the Israel-Hamas war. — Jade Walker, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025 When the Soviet Union lifted its ban on the Jewish refusenik emigration in 1971, my family saw their opportunity to start over in America. — Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022 Can the host forbid entry or try to make a refusenik toe the line? — Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2021 Natan Sharansky has been a computer scientist, a chess player, a refusenik, a dissident, a political prisoner, a party leader, a government minister, a nonprofit executive, and a bestselling author. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, 28 Nov. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusenik

Noun

The uniform of the conformist — sports shirt, cardigan, tennis shoes — is as easily recognized as that of the recusant — dirty white T, sideburns, two days’ growth of beard.

— Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 15 July 2019

Definition of recusant

Noun

Several French cities were rocked by looting and arson at the weekend, alongside mass peaceful protests over the state of public services, the cost of living and discontent with political leadership.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Economic worries are feeding voter discontent ahead of Brazil’s presidential runoff on Sunday, helping the conservative challenger’s prospects.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of discontent

Noun

The war next door United Nations experts have documented Rwandan military support for M23 rebels, which have seized territory in eastern DRC.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
But the rebels also have an array of relatively cheap drones, including weapons supplied by Iran, and locally made copies of Iranian attack drones.

— Frank Andrews, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of rebel

Browse Nearby Words

refused

refusenik

refuseniks

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Style

“Refusenik.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusenik. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of refusenik

noun

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