refusal

noun

re·​fus·​al ri-ˈfyü-zəl 

1

: the act of refusing or denying

2

: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking before others

Synonyms

• declination
• denial
• disallowance
• nay
• no
• nonacceptance
• rejection
• turndown

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

The news of the Chinese artist’s refusal for entry into Switzerland was first reported by swissinfo.ch, part of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. —Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Religious refusal laws now permit medical providers to deny care to LGBTQ+ individuals. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025

Gabbard's refusal to call Snowden a traitor during her Senate confirmation hearing Thursday reportedly prompted some GOP discomfort. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 2 Feb. 2025

Senator Michael Bennet, D-Colo., hammered Gabbard on her refusal to characterize Snowden as a traitor. —Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing refusal

• (the right of) first refusal

Kids Definition

refusal

noun

re·​fus·​al ri-ˈfyü-zəl 

1

: the act of refusing or denying

2

: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking (as a purchase) before others