refuse
verb (used with object)
to decline to accept (something offered).
refused
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past participleof refuse.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof refuse.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
refuseverb (used with object)to decline to accept (something offered).
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.
Heyman repeatedly refused to specify what crime may have been committed, and under what statute the investigation had been launched.
From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026
Transport Minister Óscar Puente has again refused to resign.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
On Monday, a police technology watchdog group sued Park, claiming that her office refused to turn over information related to dozens of Flock devices in her district.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2026
A federal judge ruled against the company in August, and an appeals court refused in September to pause enforcement.
From Barron's ● Oct. 29, 2026
It wasn’t easy to get her here, but Zara said she refused to miss it.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
