1
as in denying
to be unwilling to grant
the reclusive movie star usually refuses requests for interviews
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rejecting
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refusing
In addition to the DUI, Woods faces additional charges for refusing the urine test.
—
Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
He was jailed on a count of DUI after refusing to take a urine test, which carries an additional charge.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
Trump has repeatedly lashed out at allies for refusing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz; the UK is hosting talks with dozens of nations Thursday aimed at forming a coalition focused on that goal.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Under a change to Florida law last year, refusing an officer’s request to take a breath, blood or urine test became a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.
—R.j. Rico, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Under a change to Florida law last year, refusing a law enforcement officer’s request to take a breath, blood or urine test became a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.
—Mike Schneider, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
Multiple TikTok users posted videos showing Hershey’s bars refusing to snap or melt normally, instead bending in ways that raised immediate suspicion.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
Douglas said some providers fear losing positions or facing consequences for refusing to treat patients or perform actions that violate their ethical principles.
—Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Mar. 2026
But Kornev is young and infused with an idealistic zeal, refusing to let these goons stonewall him.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
He was jailed on a count of DUI after refusing to take a urine test, which carries an additional charge.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
Trump has repeatedly lashed out at allies for refusing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz; the UK is hosting talks with dozens of nations Thursday aimed at forming a coalition focused on that goal.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Under a change to Florida law last year, refusing an officer’s request to take a breath, blood or urine test became a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.
—R.j. Rico, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Under a change to Florida law last year, refusing a law enforcement officer’s request to take a breath, blood or urine test became a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.
—Mike Schneider, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
Multiple TikTok users posted videos showing Hershey’s bars refusing to snap or melt normally, instead bending in ways that raised immediate suspicion.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
Douglas said some providers fear losing positions or facing consequences for refusing to treat patients or perform actions that violate their ethical principles.
—Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Mar. 2026
But Kornev is young and infused with an idealistic zeal, refusing to let these goons stonewall him.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusing
Verb
-
Sorokin was locked in from the drop of the puck, denying Colin Blackwell on a shorthanded breakaway 10 minutes in and making a handful of other 10-bell saves on quality scoring chances in the first period alone.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Wasn’t Israel already systematically denying medical, food and fuel relief headed to Gaza?—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Owens made the case that under the stadium incentive package approved by lawmakers in 2024 and the tentative STAR bond agreement negotiated by Toland on behalf of the state, rejecting the sports authority bill would only give the executive branch more control over the project.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
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They are socialized in a world of makeup tutorials, fashion magazines, and objectifying advertisements—not to mention feminist commentary and pop songs about rejecting or healthily navigating image standards.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
European luxury is entering a high-stakes first-quarter reporting period as sentiment has taken a decisive hit, just as many of the sector's big names were nearing a turning point after years of declining sales.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
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The Royal Navy has shrunk dramatically since the Cold War ended, with combat-ready ships declining from 166 in 1975 to 66 in 2025, following decades of military spending cuts.—
Pan Pylas,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some Democrats argue that the cost of ignoring young male voters is higher than the risk of association with Piker.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
But here’s the thing — ignoring your gutters is one of the fastest ways to turn a free weekend project into a budget-wrecking emergency repair.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refusing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusing. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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