refusal
noun
re·fus·al
ri-ˈfyü-zəl 
1
: the act of refusing or denying
2
: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking before others
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
Despite battlefield advances, Putin has reportedly agreed in principle to begin drafting a peace framework following a two-hour call with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has voiced frustration over Putin’s refusal to engage with Kyiv directly and recent large-scale Russian attacks.
—
Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Her refusal to be anything other than fully, unapologetically herself.
—Skye P. Marshall, IndieWire, 30 May 2025
That image, and Hawley’s subsequent refusal to certify the results of the Electoral College, would permanently tarnish his reputation, many observers thought at the time.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
But Harvard’s refusal to comply has given Trump a fight with both legal and political dimensions.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
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Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Her refusal to be anything other than fully, unapologetically herself.
—Skye P. Marshall, IndieWire, 30 May 2025
That image, and Hawley’s subsequent refusal to certify the results of the Electoral College, would permanently tarnish his reputation, many observers thought at the time.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
But Harvard’s refusal to comply has given Trump a fight with both legal and political dimensions.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for refusal
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refusal. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
refusal
noun
re·fus·al
ri-ˈfyü-zəl
1
: the act of refusing or denying
2
: the opportunity or right of refusing or taking (as a purchase) before others
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