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
The brand’s annual television special was canceled in 2019, and Ed Razek, the fashion show’s longtime chief marketing officer, left following a backlash against his refusal to hire plus-size or transgender models.
—
Violet Goldstone, WWD, 26 Sep. 2024
Those include: Lack of enthusiasm: Your child may not be excited to go to school and that can escalate into school avoidance/refusal.
—Bob McKinnon, Parents, 25 Sep. 2024
The Court’s rigid refusal to consider important arguments on res judicata grounds has led to grumbling about possible political motivations.
—Ryan Finley, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
Nasrallah’s refusal to delink his organization’s fate from a cease-fire in Gaza is pushing Hezbollah to the tipping point of operational collapse.
—Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for refusal 
Violet Goldstone, WWD, 26 Sep. 2024
Those include: Lack of enthusiasm: Your child may not be excited to go to school and that can escalate into school avoidance/refusal.
—Bob McKinnon, Parents, 25 Sep. 2024
The Court’s rigid refusal to consider important arguments on res judicata grounds has led to grumbling about possible political motivations.
—Ryan Finley, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
Nasrallah’s refusal to delink his organization’s fate from a cease-fire in Gaza is pushing Hezbollah to the tipping point of operational collapse.
—Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 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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