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

Moore previously had two execution dates postponed as the state sorted through issues that created a 13-year pause in the death penalty, including companies' refusal to sell the state lethal injection drugs, a hurdle that was solved by passing a secrecy law. —Jeffrey Collins The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Charlie's health deteriorates due to his excessive weight and eating habits, and his closest connection to the outside world is Liz, played by Hong Chau, a nurse and friend who cares deeply about him but is troubled by his refusal to seek medical help. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Chevron remains locked in a dispute with Exxon Mobil, which is claiming a right of first refusal over Hess Corp.’s lucrative oil assets in Guyana. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024

After dropping his independent presidential bid and endorsing Trump, Kennedy demanded the high court remove him from the ballot in Michigan and Wisconsin, insisting that state officials’ refusal to do so violates his free speech rights. —Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024

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