Definitions

first refusal

NOUN

first chance to buy something

Synonyms

WEAK

first option option preemption prior right of purchase refusal right of preemption

Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

first refusal

Swinney announced the first refusal policy ahead of a campaign visit to Inverness, saying it could help those struggling to get on the property ladder.

From BBC ● Apr. 10, 2026

SpaceX, like many other private firms, typically holds the right of first refusal.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 18, 2026

“They offered no advance. The clause that I really should have taken out was the right of first refusal, which boxed me in,” she explained.

From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2025

Microsoft has the right of first refusal to sell additional AI cloud capacity to OpenAI.

From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2025

"You will give me the first refusal in any case?"

From The Keeper of the Door by Ethel M. (Ethel May) Dell