refuse
verb (used with object)
to decline to accept (something offered).
has refused
-
present perfectof refuse (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the 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.
Saracens head coach Joe Shaw has refused to say when, or if, director of rugby Brendan Venter will speak to the media again, despite the club facing fines for him not doing so.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
The government has refused to discuss political changes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
This is not the first case in which a surrogate has refused to terminate a pregnancy after the intended parents learned that the fetus had serious birth defects.
From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026
In July he signed a one-year contract worth $4.25 million to return for a 22nd season with the Washington Capitals, and has refused to commit to this being his final campaign.
From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026
She offers him some mandu, even though he hates Korean food and has refused to eat it since junior high.
From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon
