Synonyms and Antonyms of refuse
1
to be unwilling to grant
- the reclusive movie star usually refuses requests for interviews
ban, enjoin, forbid, prohibit, proscribe, veto
rebuff, repel, spurn
check, constrain, curb, hold, keep, repress, restrain, restrict
balk (at), hinder, impede, obstruct
afford, furnish, give, provide, supply
authorize, commission, license (also licence)
accede (to), acquiesce, agree (to), assent (to), consent (to), warrant
accord, sanction, vouchsafe
2
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
- she refused the award, citing the hard work of others who deserved the recognition more than she did
balk (at), decline, deselect, disapprove, negative, nix, pass, pass up, reject, reprobate, repudiate, spurn, throw out, throw over, turn down
blow off, disdain, rebuff, scorn, scout, shoot down
overrule, veto
forbid, prohibit, proscribe
dismiss, ignore
abstain (from), forbear, refrain (from)
deny, disavow, disclaim, dispute, gainsay
stick
abjure, forswear (also foreswear), recant, renounce, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw
avoid, bypass, detour
contradict, deny, disown, negate
controvert, disagree (with), disprove, dispute, rebut, refute
back down, back off, backtrack
disallow, recall, renege, revoke
condone, countenance, swallow, tolerate
adopt, embrace, receive, take, welcome
accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, consent
choose, handpick, select
espouse, support
