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

The prosecutor's office in the northwestern city of Brest said a criminal investigation had been opened over failure to prove a vessel's nationality, absence of a flag and refusal to comply.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

The criticism was linked in part to BP's refusal to include a resolution filed by climate activists at its annual general meeting, with Manifold saying the resolution had not been filed correctly.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

“My dad gave me these charms, and each one represents something different. The raven protects against black magic. The bear inspires courage. The fish signifies a refusal to recognize other people’s magic.”

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

Vocabulary lists containing refusal

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