REFUSED Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

refused 1 of 2

adjective

as in rejected

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refused

2 of 2

verb

past tense of refuse

as in denied

to be unwilling to grant the reclusive movie star usually refuses requests for interviews

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in declined

to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to she refused the award, citing the hard work of others who deserved the recognition more than she did

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of refused

Adjective

Eight were transported to a local hospital and four refused transport. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 3 June 2026

Verb

Kansas City, Kansas, schools also refused to sign a resolution agreement. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Having refused to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in 2019, a group dominated by China, New Delhi has signed free trade agreements with New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. — C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026 Had Meta refused to settle and lost, the company could have faced as much as $200 billion in combined penalties, Reuters reported — suggesting that the social media giant was probably at least somewhat concerned about the possibility of a loss. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026 Audi would love to build a third-generation R8, but the company has stubbornly refused to nudge the Nuvolari in that direction. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026 But when al-Baghdadi announced in April 2013 that the Nusra Front would be folded into the Islamic State group, al-Sharaa refused and pledged allegiance to al-Qaida’s Ayman al-Zawahiri instead. — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Sprague told the jury that Clancy was never turned away from mental health care, but that in fact Clancy refused help. — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026 Fellers then refused to do the same, prompting Desilets to consult with Principal Matt Fisk and Bow Police Lt. — Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Police investigating the case, the Thai Embassy in Yangon and the court that sentenced her all refused to comment. — Grant Peck, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for refused

Adjective

The Zach Werenski situation spiraled into a vetoed trade to the Stars, then settled.

— Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 21 July 2026
The vetoed bills aimed to create a regulated retail market, new oversight bodies, public health and equity programs, and a rollout schedule for licensing, regulations, and enforcement.

— Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026

Definition of vetoed

Verb

But others have rejected the idea that the system failed Clancy and have been highly critical of her supporters, including conservative commentators Matt Walsh and Megyn Kelly.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Last year, Manchester United were in discussions with him and made a loan bid in the latter stages of the summer transfer window which was rejected.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of rejected

Adjective

Three other vehicles with human drivers then appeared to illegally pass the stopped bus.

— Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
The truck crossed into the eastbound lane and crashed into the stopped Kia, striking the three pedestrians, CHP said.

— Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Feb. 2026

Definition of stopped

Verb

Trump has declined so far to endorse a successor, opting to keep his cards close ahead of what’s likely to be a bitter race.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
When asked about the lack of any tributes or the evening’s plans to honor Nolan, the Ocean Springs School District declined to comment.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of declined

Verb

Neighbors said their complaints about the empty lot were ignored for years until a fire burned part of the property and neighbor Kayt Miranda's garage early on Wednesday morning.

— Joy Benedict, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
The stock that spent two years being ignored by the same investors who loaded up on Hilton and Marriott is now having its moment.

— Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ignored

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refuse

refused

refusenik

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“Refused.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refused. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of refused

adjective

verb

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