REFUSENIK Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

refusenik

noun

variants also refusnik

Definition of refusenik

as in refuser

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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 refusenik Even Vanguard, the last refusenik, reversed itself in December to allow third-party crypto ETFs and is now hiring a digital-assets head. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 This, too, meshes with the politics of the time, given the lure that Canada had for those fleeing the draft, and the dangers faced by refuseniks who stayed behind. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025 Instead, Elam became a refusenik, as conscientious objectors are called in Israel, over his disapproval of the Israel-Hamas war. — Jade Walker, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025 When the Soviet Union lifted its ban on the Jewish refusenik emigration in 1971, my family saw their opportunity to start over in America. — Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022 Can the host forbid entry or try to make a refusenik toe the line? — Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2021 Natan Sharansky has been a computer scientist, a chess player, a refusenik, a dissident, a political prisoner, a party leader, a government minister, a nonprofit executive, and a bestselling author. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, 28 Nov. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusenik

Noun

The uniform of the conformist — sports shirt, cardigan, tennis shoes — is as easily recognized as that of the recusant — dirty white T, sideburns, two days’ growth of beard.

— Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 15 July 2019

Definition of recusant

Noun

Kyiv, meanwhile, aims to sow economic discontent among Russians with strikes against oil refineries and e-commerce warehouses, but experts argued domestic upheaval is unlikely to change Moscow’s calculus.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
The Frenchman’s preparations for that game at Everton had already been undermined earlier in the week when there had been suggestions of discontent from Ismaila Sarr, last season’s top scorer and player of the year.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of discontent

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refused

refusenik

refuseniks

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“Refusenik.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusenik. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of refusenik

noun

Example Sentences

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