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
Synonyms
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
In my view, the true nakba of the Arabs is their refusal to accept peaceful coexistence and get on with life.
—
Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 17 May 2024
Proctor-Habil points out that Riperton’s refusal to be reduced to a genre, especially as a Black woman, was groundbreaking, a kind of resistance to convention that manifested in the ethereal, experimental sound of her music.
—Cady Lang, TIME, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for refusal 
Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 17 May 2024
Proctor-Habil points out that Riperton’s refusal to be reduced to a genre, especially as a Black woman, was groundbreaking, a kind of resistance to convention that manifested in the ethereal, experimental sound of her music.
—Cady Lang, TIME, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for refusal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refusal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near refusal
Cite this Entry
“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refusal. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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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