refuse
verb (used with object)
to decline to accept (something offered).
had been refusing
-
past perfect progressiveof refuse.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Mia says Monic had been refusing to comply with Mr Mwesigwa's demands and had found a way out of his network.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2025
She had been refusing to accept efforts to remove her and had planned to hold a convention to select presidential delegates Saturday.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 27, 2024
A source said in March that Snyder had been refusing to participate in White’s probe.
From Washington Times ● May 18, 2023
The groups had been refusing to attend cabinet sessions in a dispute over the handling of an investigation into the huge Beirut port blast in 2020.
From Reuters ● Jan. 15, 2022
For three years and eight months Jimmie had been hearing stories about atrocities, and for three years and eight months he had been refusing to believe them.
From Jimmie Higgins by Upton Sinclair
