1. an act of declining to accept, do, or allow something
2. the right to accept or reject something before it is offered to others
Usage: legal; formal

Examples

• Her refusal to sign the contract surprised everyone.
• The committee’s refusal of the proposal was unanimous.
• He met with refusal when he asked for a raise.
• The tenant has first refusal on purchasing the apartment.
• Their refusal to cooperate made the investigation difficult.
• She gave a polite refusal to the dinner invitation.
• The bank’s refusal of the loan application was disappointing.