Synonyms for

Deny

Verb / dɪˈnaɪ / Another word for deny — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to refuse to give or grant something requested or desired

Synonyms & similar words

refuse abnegate admit traverse allow refuse reject decline withhold disavow disown repudiate contradict oppose rebuff revoke retract renounce abjure disclaim abnegate forbid prohibit veto disallow

Synonyms by register

Formal

repudiate disclaim reject disavow

Informal

say no to brush off turn down shoot down

Literary

gainsay refute contradict

Antonyms

admit accept affirm allow confess agree endorse acknowledge

Common collocations

  • deny access
  • deny responsibility
  • deny knowledge
  • deny allegations
  • deny entry
  • deny a request
  • deny the existence

Word family

noun denial
verb deny
adjective deniable
adverb deniably

Usage note

To 'deny' something is to state that it is not true or that you did not do it. Be careful not to confuse 'deny' with 'refuse'; 'refuse' is used when you decline to do something or give something, while 'deny' is about stating something is untrue.

Example sentences

  1. I had to deny her request to stay up past bedtime.
  2. The store clerk had to deny the return because it was past the deadline.
  3. The teacher had to deny the student's request for an extension on the assignment.
  4. He had to deny the allegations made against him.
  5. The company had to deny the rumors of a merger.

Quotes

  • The best way to deal with a denier is to confess your own doubts and encourage him to talk more about why he believes what he does.
  • The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is.
  • The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.

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