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
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
Frustrated over Atlanta's refusal to sell or transfer the city's Downtown detention center to the county, Fulton leaders want to ask state lawmakers for leverage during the upcoming legislative session.
—
Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 21 Oct. 2024
The Harris campaign has seized on Trump's refusal to release his medical records so far and his unwillingness to debate Harris a second time.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024
Trump’s mental acuity has long been one of those persistent unknowns—particularly given his refusal to release his medical records.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 16 Oct. 2024
Trump's refusal to answer questions directly about his relationship with Putin was consistent with the tone throughout Tuesday's interview, which took place in a ballroom of the Fairmont hotel.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for refusal 
Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 21 Oct. 2024
The Harris campaign has seized on Trump's refusal to release his medical records so far and his unwillingness to debate Harris a second time.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024
Trump’s mental acuity has long been one of those persistent unknowns—particularly given his refusal to release his medical records.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 16 Oct. 2024
Trump's refusal to answer questions directly about his relationship with Putin was consistent with the tone throughout Tuesday's interview, which took place in a ballroom of the Fairmont hotel.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for refusal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refusal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near refusal
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refusal. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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