as in rejections
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
his flat refusal of our reasonable request was rather startling
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Recent Examples of refusals
After three years of refusals, Kalshi finally sued the regulatory agency and won — just in time for the 2024 presidential election.
—
Kelli María Korducki, thehustle.co, 3 Apr. 2026
Despite the Reina Sofía’s many refusals to lend the work to various institutions around the world, its rebuff of the Guggenheim’s request carries a particular sting because the Basque Country has long held that the painting belongs in the place where the depicted tragedy occurred.
—News Desk, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
The Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach sued the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office in 2024 over refusals to comply with a whistleblower complaint subpoena.
—Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Against that backdrop, other examples of European refusals and hesitations are mounting.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Some went to court to challenge government refusals to authorize pickets, while others scaled them back to smaller indoor gatherings.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Care refusals aren’t a new phenomenon.
—Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Most families decide to get it, said Felton, who has seen no uptick in refusals.
—CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Missile crews are reportedly reluctant to leave cover, desertions are increasing, refusals to obey orders are surfacing, and American and Israeli forces continue hunting launchers daily.
—Richard Goldberg, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Kelli María Korducki, thehustle.co, 3 Apr. 2026
Despite the Reina Sofía’s many refusals to lend the work to various institutions around the world, its rebuff of the Guggenheim’s request carries a particular sting because the Basque Country has long held that the painting belongs in the place where the depicted tragedy occurred.
—News Desk, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
The Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach sued the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office in 2024 over refusals to comply with a whistleblower complaint subpoena.
—Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Against that backdrop, other examples of European refusals and hesitations are mounting.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Some went to court to challenge government refusals to authorize pickets, while others scaled them back to smaller indoor gatherings.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Care refusals aren’t a new phenomenon.
—Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Most families decide to get it, said Felton, who has seen no uptick in refusals.
—CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Missile crews are reportedly reluctant to leave cover, desertions are increasing, refusals to obey orders are surfacing, and American and Israeli forces continue hunting launchers daily.
—Richard Goldberg, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusals
Noun
-
When John begins spitting out his food, his mother, Heather (Shirley Henderson), worn down by exhaustion and anger, banishes him from the dinner table—the first in an unceasing series of maternal rejections.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
-
McElroy's decision is similar to other rejections by federal judges across country since the Justice Department began seeking detailed voter data from the states.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Commonly, denials of initial applications are based on a lack of ongoing medical treatment or not following medical advice, which is a greater challenge for those with mental illnesses than those with physical illnesses.—
Jeffrey Freedman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
-
After nearly 12 hours of questioning, his denials changed.—
Mary Murphy,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refusals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusals. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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