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

President William Ruto defended the plan saying he had received a request from the US to establish the centre and a refusal would be "inhuman".

From BBC • Jun. 9, 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

It was the largest refusal of a prize fund in sports history.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Vocabulary lists containing refusal

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