refuse
verb (used with object)
to decline to accept (something offered).
were 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.
Workers were demanding salary increases, protection against subcontracting and job loss through automation, and were refusing to comply with FIFA’s request to collect sensitive private information such as nationality and home addresses.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026
Palace were refusing to sanction the transfer as they faced difficulties in sorting a replacement - with target Igor Julio opting for a move to West Ham.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2025
As a reporter and a photographer crouched expectantly in the bushes behind his Los Angeles home, his two wild ravens were refusing to cooperate with a photo shoot.
From New York Times ● Jun. 19, 2024
Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote on X, formerly Twitter, the social media platform he owns, that it was “insane” that Swedish postal workers were refusing to deliver license plates for new vehicles.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 5, 2023
At the time, the authorities were refusing to permit hearings.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
