Definitions

refusal

[ri-fyoo-zuhl] / rɪˈfyu zəl /

NOUN

denial of responsibility; unwillingness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ban defiance exclusion noncompliance rejection reversal veto

STRONG

abnegation choice declension declination disapproval disavowal disclaimer disfavor dissent enjoinment forbidding interdiction negation nix no nonacceptance option pass prohibition proscription rebuff refutation regrets renouncement renunciation repudiation repulse repulsion turndown withholding writ

WEAK

cold shoulder disallowance discountenancing knockback nonconsent thumbs-down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

acceptance allowance approval permission ratification sanction

STRONG

agreement attraction confirmation endorsement

WEAK

OK grant offer

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.

Back in 416 B.C., the refusal to submit to Athens, the superpower of antiquity, ended badly for the islanders of Melos.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Heteropessimism isn’t an anti-straight ideology or a refusal to couple up.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

Many are in limbo, caught between Indian pressure to leave and Bangladesh's refusal to accept them without formal proof of citizenship.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

The restrictions were later widened to prevent him carrying out any clinical practice over concerns about his refusal to fully engage with retraining measures.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

I think of Asase’s speech about my refusal to accept my grief possibly endangering the world … just like Nansi.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Vocabulary lists containing refusal

"The First Day of School," Vocabulary from the short story

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Catching Fire

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poems about parents

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