denial

[dih-nahy-uhl] / dɪˈnaɪ əl /

NOUN

dismissal, refusal of belief in

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disapproval rebuttal rejection repudiation retraction veto

STRONG

adjuration brush-off contradiction declination disavowal disclaimer disproof dissent forswearing nay negation negative nix nonacceptance prohibition protestation rebuff refutal refutation renouncement renunciation repulse turndown

WEAK

abstaining cold shoulder controversion disallowance dismissing gainsaying noncommittal refraining refusing rejecting renegement repudiating statement abnegation

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allowance approval confirmation ratification sanction

STRONG

agreement permission

WEAK

affirmation avowal claim corroboration vouching

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There was no immediate confirmation or denial from Washington.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

"I think we've struggled in the west to have honest, sincere, discussions about death. Our western denial of death has been very Victorian," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

“Continued exploitation and denial of their freedom is making them worse, and time is running out!”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Justice Sonia Sotomayor made that clear in her stinging and persuasive dissent from the court’s denial of certiorari.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

And then I type, Obligatory family meals suck, especially when meat and denial are involved.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven

denial

Example Sentences

Related Words