1
as in denies
to be unwilling to grant
the reclusive movie star usually refuses requests for interviews
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rejects
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
she refused the award, citing the hard work of others who deserved the recognition more than she did
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refuses
Insurance bad faith claims can stem from different factors, including when an insurance company refuses to settle a claim within policy limits and therefore risks exposing its client to a larger liability at trial.
—
Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Like the impish anti-romance that crumbles around it, the movie’s twist is both transgressive enough to be pleased with itself and also rooted in a reality that refuses to be dismissed as a bad joke.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026
Debbie Wasserman Schultz refuses to call on fellow Florida Democrat and fraudster Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (who stole millions in FEMA funds) to resign.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
If a traveler refuses, the device may be detained or seized.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Since ’18-19, the winger has served valiantly as a bottom-6 high motor, a plugger who refuses to downshift during big moments.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
An intermediary who doesn't have your best interest at heart is one who likely refuses to disclose their compensation, and isn't transparent about their services or how they are getting paid, Reish said.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Trump continues to insist that the Islamic Republic is close to capitulating in negotiations with the White House, but refuses to provide details of the talks.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
In the analogy at the beginning, the patient refuses to change behavior while wondering why their health does not improve.
—Eugene Litvak, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026
Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Like the impish anti-romance that crumbles around it, the movie’s twist is both transgressive enough to be pleased with itself and also rooted in a reality that refuses to be dismissed as a bad joke.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026
Debbie Wasserman Schultz refuses to call on fellow Florida Democrat and fraudster Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (who stole millions in FEMA funds) to resign.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
If a traveler refuses, the device may be detained or seized.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Since ’18-19, the winger has served valiantly as a bottom-6 high motor, a plugger who refuses to downshift during big moments.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
An intermediary who doesn't have your best interest at heart is one who likely refuses to disclose their compensation, and isn't transparent about their services or how they are getting paid, Reish said.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Trump continues to insist that the Islamic Republic is close to capitulating in negotiations with the White House, but refuses to provide details of the talks.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
In the analogy at the beginning, the patient refuses to change behavior while wondering why their health does not improve.
—Eugene Litvak, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refuses
Verb
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In the last 24 hours, regional powers — particularly the UAE — have signaled a hardening of their stance toward Iran despite apparent efforts by the White House to find an off-ramp from the conflict, touting peace talks with the Islamic Republic, which denies negotiations are taking place.—
Holly Ellyatt,Emma Graham,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
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Maduro has pleaded not guilty and denies being involved in drug trafficking.—
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Olsson rejects The Athletic’s offer to take cover inside the coffee shop.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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If the council rejects the one-year contract — which would cost $150,000 and provide 50 cameras at a maximum of 20 intersections — Johnston’s administration has said the program will shut down.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Jeannot is not wired to jump anybody who declines an invitation.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
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Six out of the 10 top richest people in the world have experienced wealth declines between $30 and $60 billion this calendar year, totalling over $255 billion.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But that argument ignores the structure of the program.—
Demetrius Atsalis,
Boston Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
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All pitchers agree that the guy holding the bat generates crucial data that a pitcher ignores at his peril.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refuses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refuses. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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