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
Martinez’s refusal to take out the loan led in part to his pending ouster, as the current seven-member board moved to fire him without cause in late December.
—
Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
On January 6, 2021, a group of violent rioters, stoked by Donald Trump’s refusal to accept his recent defeat, stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election, delaying the ceremonial Electoral College vote count.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2025
Kennedy’s dislike for Carter stemmed from Carter’s refusal to give Kennedy, a party insider, a speaking role at the1976 convention which endorsed Carter, a party outsider, for president.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
However, his refusal to join a local White Citizens Council -- which led to a boycott of his peanut business -- spoke volumes about his character.
—Philip Martin, arkansasonline.com, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for refusal 
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Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
On January 6, 2021, a group of violent rioters, stoked by Donald Trump’s refusal to accept his recent defeat, stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election, delaying the ceremonial Electoral College vote count.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2025
Kennedy’s dislike for Carter stemmed from Carter’s refusal to give Kennedy, a party insider, a speaking role at the1976 convention which endorsed Carter, a party outsider, for president.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
However, his refusal to join a local White Citizens Council -- which led to a boycott of his peanut business -- spoke volumes about his character.
—Philip Martin, arkansasonline.com, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for refusal
Dictionary Entries Near refusal
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refusal. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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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