as in refusal
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
the request to use the restroom was just a formality—I really didn't expect a turndown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to refuse
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
I'm afraid that I will have to turn down your invitation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of turndown
Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025
By adapting this architecture specifically for hydrogen, the company claims to have achieved the highest current density and turndown ratios in the alkaline category.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025
Todd Feurer, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Charles compared people passing up investing in Amazon to how many publishers turned down the now wildly popular Harry Potter books.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turndown
Noun
The package includes a milk-and-cookie welcome amenity, a take-home American Girl Bed (including special turndown service), and a T-shirt for the doll.
—Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025
By adapting this architecture specifically for hydrogen, the company claims to have achieved the highest current density and turndown ratios in the alkaline category.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
The union has voted to authorize a strike after turning down the zoo's last, best, and final offer, which was presented on Monday.
—Todd Feurer, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Charles compared people passing up investing in Amazon to how many publishers turned down the now wildly popular Harry Potter books.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for turndown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turndown
Noun
-
She was known among her neighbors for her generosity and spunk — and among her relatives for stubborn refusal to leave Bellevue Square, her home of 54 years, The Courant reported in 1997.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The New York Democrat called out Hegseth for the administration’s refusal to seek approval of Congress for the war.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But when the symptoms refused to fade, an MRI revealed something far worse.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
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Others rely on patience, research, and the fact that the ground itself refuses to be reduced to one easy headline.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Speaking at an event held at the Aloft Hotel in Doral, a hub for Venezuelan diaspora activism, Guanipa painted a bleak picture of conditions inside Venezuela and sharply criticized the country’s current leadership, accusing those in power of clinging to control despite widespread rejection.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
2 May 2026
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Many researchers, clinicians and patient advocates soon rushed to RP1’s defense, claiming that the FDA had made a mistake in its rejection.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
2 May 2026
Verb
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The court rejected the argument, concluding that a prospective rate hearing — unlike that on the response time — would be considered contested and the utility would have the opportunity to challenge the finding of imprudence then.—
Edmund H. Mahony,
Hartford Courant,
29 Apr. 2026
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The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate, but some Republicans rejected the bill, opposing earmarking millions more to maintain the fortified Capitol and equip it with the staff necessary to keep the screenings going.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Both aircraft are critical in modern conflicts as dense radar networks, long-range surface-to-air missiles, electronic warfare (EW), and anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities often define success or failure.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Apr. 2026
-
His odds of winning an appeal of his bond denial seemed low.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Bovino, who led much of the immigration enforcement operation in Chicago and the suburbs, as well as in Minnesota before retiring this year amid criticism, declined to appear before the commission.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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The Salt Lake County district attorney’s office and the Draper City prosecutor both declined to file charges against Paul in April, citing insufficient evidence to prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.—
Senior Television,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
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That could mean passing up his best chance at the Stanley Cup.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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Flea markets offer one-of-a-kind finds that are hard to replace if passed up.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Turndown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turndown. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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