1
as in refusal
an unwillingness to grant something asked for
our supervisor's denial of unpaid personal leave got mixed reactions from the staff
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rejection
a refusal to confirm the truth of a statement
the senator issued a flat denial of the accusation against her
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 denial
Despite the planning board's denial, the city council can still approve the rehabilitation designation.
—
Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
The investigation focuses on potential violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law and follows growing complaints from residents about delays, underpayments, and denials of legitimate wildfire claims.
—Pat Maio, Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
For decades, the story of California housing reforms was one of delay and denial.
—Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The day after her graduation, Aetna provided additional information to NBC News about the two denials.
—Ramon Taylor, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for denial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for denial
Noun
-
Powell argued that the DOJ is using the renovation and Congress’ oversight role of the Fed as a pretext for its probe, asserting the inquiry is because of his refusal to bend to Trump’s demands on interest rates.—
-
But the sleekness, the coy refusal to play the big and obvious dress game, propelled the look into a new definition of cool.—
Noun
-
The move marks a clear departure from Washington’s earlier stance, which presumed rejection of nearly all such requests.—
-
Despite this rejection, the board moved forward with plans to take on $2 million in new debt and to allow for more than 500 members to generate more revenue.—
Cite this Entry
“Denial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denial. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
