refuse
verb (used with object)
to decline to accept (something offered).
are refusing
-
present progressiveof refuse.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Garden Grove police chief Amir El-Farra said most people are evacuating, but about 15% are refusing to evacuate.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026
However, a lot of the evidence of those offenses is in the hands of federal authorities who are refusing to turn it over.
From Slate ● Apr. 16, 2026
Some reservists have already served five or more tours since the 2023 Hamas attacks, and there are anecdotal reports of that some are refusing to serve again.
From BBC ● Apr. 1, 2026
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the regime’s primary fighting force, has lost much of its infrastructure, and some members of the basij militia reportedly are refusing to show up for work.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 17, 2026
He turned to me and said in some agitation, “They are refusing to give me my letter.”
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
