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 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 Even a surprise proposal from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., to oust Johnson introduced Friday was met with refusal from some of her peers, indicating there’s not much appetite for further chaos from the right flank of the conference. USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2024 The rights group says Israel uses the zoning to justify its refusal of Palestinians' building plans for homes linked to water and electricity infrastructure. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 23 Mar. 2024 The proposal would have established a right of first refusal for utilities already doing business in Wisconsin, allowing the owners of transmission lines to build lines that connect to their existing ones without having to compete with out-of-state companies for the projects. Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024 When an offer is submitted for a restricted free agent, the player’s current team can match the offer with right of first refusal. Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 One of her attorneys said the refusal amounted to revenge on Katherine for objecting to the asset transaction. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2024 In particular, the airdrops – a second set was carried out Tuesday – only underscore for many Mr. Biden’s refusal since the beginning of the war to take any steps that might be construed as dictating actions to Israel or imposing any restraint on its right to self-defense. Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Mar. 2024 His refusal led to him being stripped of his heavyweight championships and being largely forced out of boxing for years. Joe Otterson, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 That could open a potentially major opportunity for Xi, whose close ties with Putin and refusal to condemn his invasion have damaged China’s relationship with Europe and set back its longtime bid to drive a wedge between Europe and the United States. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024

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.

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

Dictionary Entries Near refusal

Cite this Entry

“Refusal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refusal. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!