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 before others

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.
Meanwhile, Biden’s refusal to exit the 2024 presidential race after a disastrous initial debate performance in June kicked off a whirlwind season that gave rise to Harris. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024 The system proved incapable of punishing Trump personally for his concerted, multifaceted refusal to accept his defeat and accept a peaceful transfer of power in 2020. Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024 Harris supporters called Trump a threat to democracy for his refusal to concede his 2020 loss to Biden, unfounded election fraud claims and his supporters’ Capitol riot to disrupt Biden’s presidential certification. Julia Prodis Sulek, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 The measures come nearly four years after former President Donald Trump's refusal to accept the 2020 election results led a mob of his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol in a violent bid to stop the certification of President Joe Biden's victory. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near refusal

Cite this Entry

“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refusal. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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