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.
For more than a decade, Cox has refused to carry the channel, owned by the Dodgers organization, because of its high license fee — leading to one of the television industry’s longest blackouts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026
The military has refused to hand them over.
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026
Despite numerous conversations over the past year, she has refused to take any action, and I have grown increasingly resentful of the situation.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 1, 2026
But the 63-year-old ex-lawyer has refused to quit, insisting his landslide election victory over the Conservatives 23 months ago gave him a five-year mandate to govern.
From Barron's ● Jun. 19, 2026
Ever since then, she has refused to come unless I issue an official invitation.
From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan
