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.

The island nation's denial to disembark came even as WHO Europe said the risk to the wider public remained low.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Without land-enabled options, deterrence shifts from denial to punishment.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

"I think in the back of Mummy's head, she knew, but she was in great denial," Michelle says.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

But they can’t be surprised by the widespread public scoffing at the denial, especially in light of the institution’s longstanding hostility to Dehlin.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

The others grumbled, which Moss took as a denial.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

Vocabulary lists containing denial

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

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Game Changer

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