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
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2
as in rejection
a refusal to confirm the truth of a statement
the senator issued a flat denial of the accusation against her
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Recent Examples of denial
Equating immigrants with terrorists could easily result in denial of due process and humane treatment.
—
The Miami Herald Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025
Among other changes, the mandate has reversed the BLM’s 2024 denial of the Ambler Road permit and overturned the Alaska Roadless Rule, which will impact 9 million acres of the Tongass National Forest.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 31 Jan. 2025
No wonder our first reaction is to avoid it, preferring denial.
—Fabiola Santiago, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
Key provisions include: Mandating law enforcement uphold custody rights and prevent wrongful denial, reducing emotional distress for children.
—Chris Felder, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for denial 
The Miami Herald Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025
Among other changes, the mandate has reversed the BLM’s 2024 denial of the Ambler Road permit and overturned the Alaska Roadless Rule, which will impact 9 million acres of the Tongass National Forest.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 31 Jan. 2025
No wonder our first reaction is to avoid it, preferring denial.
—Fabiola Santiago, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
Key provisions include: Mandating law enforcement uphold custody rights and prevent wrongful denial, reducing emotional distress for children.
—Chris Felder, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for denial
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Cite this Entry
“Denial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/denial. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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