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Definition of refusal

refusal

/ɹɪˈfjuː.zəl/
re · fus · al
Plural:refusals
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refusal Lexical Profile

refusal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act or an instance of declining to accept, grant, or do something.

Example

"His stubborn refusal to compromise delayed the contract negotiations by several weeks."

2

The priority or right to accept or reject something before it is offered to others.

Example

"As a long-standing tenant, she was given first refusal when the building's owner decided to sell."

3

In equestrianism, a horse's sudden stop in front of an obstacle instead of jumping it.

Example

"The rider was eliminated from the show-jumping round after her mount had a second refusal at the water hazard."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for refusal

• Nearby Words

refurbisher
refurbishment
refurnish
refusal
refuse
refuser
refutable

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Late Middle English from the verb 'refuse' and the suffix '-al', modeled on Anglo-Norman 'refusal', which derives from Vulgar Latin 'refusare' (to reject).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Refusal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/refusal
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