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

At the same time, Ani’s defiant refusal to warm to her assailant feeds into another rom-com formula: the love story that flowers out of an adversarial relationship. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025

Many members of the Democrats' more establishment wing opposed the use of disruptive tactics and opted for silent forms of protest such as outfit coordination and refusal to clap. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 4 Mar. 2025

Military refusal After Trump sanctioned Fincimex and cut the cash flow, the military refused to move the remittance business to a non-military entity. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025

Passed in 1977, the CRA requires banks to serve all communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods that experienced redlining or banks’ refusal to serve them. —Josh Silver, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing refusal

• (the right of) first refusal

Rhymes for refusal

• occlusal
• perusal
• recusal

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