deny
verb (used with object)
to state that (something declared or believed to be true) is not true.
were denying
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past progressiveof deny.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 Lincoln spoke, hundreds of thousands of Americans were denying this proposition by fighting a war to separate themselves from the nation that affirmed it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2025
He issued the order in a legal challenge by immigration advocacy groups, who argued that immigration officers in Los Angeles were conducting "roving patrols" indiscriminately, and were denying individuals access to lawyers.
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2025
No, what makes this next-level evil is they were denying a centerpiece of the character’s history as well-known as the date of Independence Day and the colors of the American flag.
From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2025
In recent days, a long-standing feud with Russia's military bosses escalated dramatically, with Prigozhin claiming that officials were denying Wagner ammunition out of personal animus to him.
From Reuters ● Feb. 23, 2023
I felt as if we were denying Saidu, our friend, our traveling companion.
From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah
