as in rejection
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
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Recent Examples of refusal
And vaccination hesitancy and refusal have also increased across the country since Covid began.
—
Erika Edwards, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025
Kevin Keegan’s second stint with Newcastle United in 2008 lasted 22 games and ended in recriminations and his refusal to even attend games at St James’ Park.
—Nick Miller, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
The refusal to dismiss the lawsuit means the case will now move towards evidence discovery and a potential trial unless a settlement is reached before then.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025
Her specific challenges are, obviously, not of our world, but her desire to control her own life, and her refusal to be whipped around by powerful, indifferent forces, is deeply relatable.
—Vanessa Armstrong, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for refusal 
Erika Edwards, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025
Kevin Keegan’s second stint with Newcastle United in 2008 lasted 22 games and ended in recriminations and his refusal to even attend games at St James’ Park.
—Nick Miller, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
The refusal to dismiss the lawsuit means the case will now move towards evidence discovery and a potential trial unless a settlement is reached before then.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025
Her specific challenges are, obviously, not of our world, but her desire to control her own life, and her refusal to be whipped around by powerful, indifferent forces, is deeply relatable.
—Vanessa Armstrong, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for refusal
Thesaurus Entries Near refusal
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusal. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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