1
as in denies
to be unwilling to grant
the reclusive movie star usually refuses requests for interviews
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rejects
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
she refused the award, citing the hard work of others who deserved the recognition more than she did
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refuses
If Taiwan refuses to capitulate in a quarantine or blockade, an invasion could follow.
—
Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Selma Blair refuses to sugarcoat what life with multiple sclerosis looks like.
—Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2025
Originally released in 2024, Taken in Plain Sight follows Abby Anderson (Tennille Read), a mother who refuses to let her teenage daughter's disappearance become just another case collecting dust at the police station.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
Republicans would like to make adjustments to the program, too, and refuses to negotiate an extension during the shutdown.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
The lawsuit, filed in Washington on behalf of Grijalva, asks a judge to authorize another official to administer the oath of office if Johnson refuses.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Still Here refuses to let those stories remain on the margins.
—Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
In a world of cynicism, Logano refuses to fall in line.
—Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Hold on to the laughter, hold on to the sparkle, hold on to that spark deep inside that refuses to go out.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Selma Blair refuses to sugarcoat what life with multiple sclerosis looks like.
—Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2025
Originally released in 2024, Taken in Plain Sight follows Abby Anderson (Tennille Read), a mother who refuses to let her teenage daughter's disappearance become just another case collecting dust at the police station.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
Republicans would like to make adjustments to the program, too, and refuses to negotiate an extension during the shutdown.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
The lawsuit, filed in Washington on behalf of Grijalva, asks a judge to authorize another official to administer the oath of office if Johnson refuses.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Still Here refuses to let those stories remain on the margins.
—Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
In a world of cynicism, Logano refuses to fall in line.
—Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Hold on to the laughter, hold on to the sparkle, hold on to that spark deep inside that refuses to go out.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refuses
Verb
-
Cuomo denies Bennett’s allegations.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Prince Andrew denies Virginia Giuffre relationship In 2011, Andrew quit his role as Britain's roving trade ambassador, partly because of his friendship with Epstein.—
Michael Holden,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
If Giolito rejects the offer and signs with another team, the Red Sox would receive a draft pick after the fourth round as compensation.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The business software maker on Wednesday unveiled an optimistic, multiyear financial roadmap that rejects the sluggish-growth narrative that has been dogging the stock.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In older men, as testosterone naturally declines, gynecomastia becomes more common, often combined with weight gain or medications that alter hormone levels.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Nazareth now declines to confirm whether the deal has been finalized off-screen or not.—
Tom Huddleston Jr.,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
If a film ignores the author and the core fans, there’s no chance.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Oct. 2025
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Yet that argument ignores the fact that labor markets are a function of both supply and demand, both of which are positively affected by people.—
Ben Zweig,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Refuses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refuses. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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