refusal

noun

re·​fus·​al ri-ˈfyü-zəl How to pronounce refusal (audio)
Synonyms of refusalnext
1
: the act of refusing or denying
2
: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking before others

Synonyms of refusal

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Examples of refusal in a Sentence

My request for more money was met with a flat refusal. his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead, Maryland pushed back again, exercising its right of first refusal to purchase the rights back, leaving the Preakness on the outside looking in. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 The announcement follows similar action taken by workers at various branches of the V&A Museum in London, who voted to strike over pay, working conditions, and the institution’s refusal to seek living wage accreditation. — News Desk, Artforum, 3 Aug. 2026 Sometimes the harder question is what to do when your co-parent’s behavior — the volatility, the manipulation, the refusal to put the children first — is the actual threat. — Melissa Needle, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026 The central distinguishing feature of the Saudi model is its refusal to relinquish sensitive components of the nuclear fuel cycle—above all, uranium enrichment—to multinational ownership or control. — Yoel Guzansky, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refusal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refusal was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing refusal

Rhymes for refusal

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Browse Nearby Words

refusable
refusal
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Cite this Entry

“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refusal. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

refusal

noun
re·​fus·​al ri-ˈfyü-zəl How to pronounce refusal (audio)
1
: the act of refusing or denying
2
: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking (as a purchase) before others

More from Merriam-Webster on refusal

Nglish: Translation of refusal for Spanish Speakers

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