refuse
verb (used with object)
to decline to accept (something offered).
was refusing
-
past progressiveof refuse.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
As we wrote last week, Pirro was refusing to do so, perhaps because she was trying to impress Trump into making her the next attorney general.
From Slate ● Apr. 25, 2026
Vaccine manufacturer Moderna said Tuesday the US Food and Drug Administration was refusing to review an application for its first mRNA-based flu shot.
From Barron's ● Feb. 11, 2026
A fifth officer, a sergeant, arrived and informed detectives that Moran was refusing a medical exam and treatment, according to the police report.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 29, 2026
A seventh detainee who was refusing food every other day due to an underlying health condition has also ended his protest.
From BBC ● Jan. 14, 2026
“I couldn’t have done, could I? That was the whole point, he was refusing to tell Snape.”
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
