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.
Thank goodness professors with integrity are refusing to go along.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
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
He adds that some customers are refusing to pay more and rolls of fabric are piling up in the warehouse.
From BBC ● Apr. 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
“You are refusing your child and not Amala,” Mama said.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
