Synonyms for

Refused

Verb / rʌˈfju:zd / / rɪˈfju:zd / Another word for refused — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To say no to something or someone

Synonyms & similar words

lendoneself refuse reject decline turnaway turndown deny defy admit allow passup resist accept decline reject deny withhold disagree object rebut repudiate disapprove veto oppose disallow protest negate renounce abstain forbid disclaim abjure

Synonyms by register

Formal

declined rejected spurned repudiated

Informal

turned down said no blew off shot down

Literary

denied withheld

Antonyms

accepted agreed allowed approved granted yielded consented

Common collocations

  • refused to answer
  • refused to cooperate
  • refused to help
  • refused entry
  • refused permission
  • refused the offer
  • refused to sign

Word family

noun refusal
verb refuse
adjective refused
adverb refusedly

Usage note

While 'refuse' can be used for objects (e.g., 'the engine refused to start'), it is more commonly used when a person or entity denies a request or offer.

Example sentences

  1. He refused to share his toys with his sister.
  2. The store refused to accept the returned item.
  3. She refused to give up even though it was hard.
  4. The company refused to pay for the damages.
  5. He refused to believe what he was told.

Quotes

  • I have never refused anyone help who came to me. - Florence Nightingale
  • I have refused many offers for lucrative engagements because I preferred to remain a wanderer. - Josephine Baker
  • I have refused to confine my medical practice to doctors who are orthodox in medicine. - J. B. S. Haldane

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words