23 Different Ways to Say REJECT (With Examples)

You probably know how often we use the word “reject” in daily life. You might want to say it in a different way, right? In this article, we will explore 23 fun and useful synonyms for reject, like refuse, deny, turn down, and dismiss. You will see examples too, so it’s super easy to use them in your conversations.

Refuse

Refuse means to say no to something clearly. People often use it when they don’t want to accept an offer or request. It is a very polite way to show that you are not agreeing. You can refuse anything from gifts to help, depending on the situation. Using refuse makes your answer sound firm but not rude. Many people like this word because it is very straightforward and common in daily conversation.

• She refused the gift with a smile.
• He refused to join the meeting.
• They refused the invitation politely.

Deny

Deny is used when someone says something is not true or is not allowed. It is common when you want to reject responsibility or a claim. Denying can be done calmly or strongly depending on the situation. Many times, it is used in formal or serious contexts. Deny also works in everyday life when you don’t want to accept something someone says about you.

• He denied stealing the money.
• She denied any involvement in the project.
• They denied the rumor completely.

Turn down

Turn down is a friendly way to say no. People use it when rejecting offers, invitations, or jobs. It sounds polite and casual. You can easily use it in work, social events, or personal life. Turn down often shows respect because you are not saying no harshly. It is a popular phrase in both spoken and written English.

• I turned down the job offer.
• She turned down the invitation to dinner.
• He turned down the chance to speak.

Dismiss

Dismiss means to decide something is not important or to reject it. People use dismiss when ignoring ideas, complaints, or rumors. It is often used at work or school. Dismissing can be gentle or strong depending on tone. Using dismiss shows that you are not giving attention to what you think is not necessary. It works well in professional and personal situations.

• The manager dismissed the complaint.
• She dismissed his question lightly.
• They dismissed the idea after discussion.

Decline

Decline is a polite way to say no. People use it for invitations, offers, or opportunities. It is softer than refuse, so it sounds gentle. Declining shows respect while still saying no. You can use it in work, parties, or personal invitations. Many people prefer decline because it feels courteous and calm.

• She declined the invitation to dinner.
• He declined the offer politely.
• They declined further assistance.

Spurn

Spurn is a strong word that means to reject angrily or with strong feeling. It is used when someone refuses something because they are unhappy or upset. Spurn is less common in casual talk but sounds powerful in stories or writing. Using spurn can show strong emotions or strong rejection of ideas.

• He spurned their offer angrily.
• She spurned the apology.
• They spurned the invitation without hesitation.

Rebuff

Rebuff means to refuse something sharply or bluntly. It shows that the person does not want to accept it at all. Rebuff can be used in social or professional situations. It sounds strong and direct. People often use rebuff when someone makes an unwelcome suggestion or offer.

• She rebuffed his suggestion.
• He rebuffed their request immediately.
• They rebuffed the proposal politely but firmly.

Repudiate

Repudiate is a formal way to reject something strongly. It can mean rejecting claims, statements, or agreements. Repudiate is often used in official or serious situations. Using repudiate shows you are serious and clear about not accepting something. It is stronger than refuse or deny.

• The company repudiated the rumors.
• He repudiated all accusations.
• They repudiated the contract legally.

Disallow

Disallow means to not allow something officially. It is often used by authorities, teachers, or organizers. Disallow can be rules, actions, or requests. Using disallow shows control and clear refusal. It is common in rules, laws, and organized settings.

• The teacher disallowed late submissions.
• They disallowed the entry without a pass.
• He disallowed the use of phones.

Exclude

Exclude means to leave someone or something out. It is often used in groups, events, or activities. Excluding can be intentional or by rule. It shows that someone is not accepted or included. Exclude is common in social and professional situations.

• They excluded him from the group.
• The list excluded minor errors.
• She was excluded from the meeting.

Abandon

Abandon means to leave or stop supporting something or someone. People often use it when someone gives up a plan, idea, or place. Abandon can show no interest or care. Using abandon is emotional because it shows leaving completely. It works in personal and professional contexts.

• He abandoned his plan midway.
• She abandoned the idea after failure.
• They abandoned the old project.

Ignore

Ignore means to pay no attention to something or someone. It is common when you want to reject messages, warnings, or people. Ignoring can be silent or obvious. People use ignore in everyday life to show rejection without words.

• She ignored the warning signs.
• He ignored the message completely.
• They ignored his complaints.

Overlook

Overlook means to fail to notice or consider something. It can be accidental or intentional. People often use overlook for mistakes, ideas, or details. Overlook can sound gentle because it doesn’t feel harsh. Using overlook shows missing something without strong refusal.

• They overlooked the small mistake.
• She overlooked his absence.
• He overlooked the fine details.

Shun

Shun means to avoid or reject someone or something completely. It is often social and emotional. People shun others when angry or disappointed. Using shun shows strong distance and avoidance. Shun works well in stories or social situations.

• The villagers shunned the stranger.
• She shunned him after the argument.
• They shunned the outdated rules.

Refute

Refute means to prove that something is wrong. It is common when rejecting ideas, claims, or arguments. Refuting shows reason and evidence. People use refute in debates, writing, or discussions. It is strong because it proves something is false.

• He refuted the false claim quickly.
• She refuted the rumor with proof.
• They refuted his argument clearly.

Dismissal

Dismissal is the act of rejecting something or someone. It is often formal and serious. Dismissal can happen at work, school, or in discussions. Using dismissal shows that something is officially rejected. It works well in professional and legal situations.

• The dismissal of the idea surprised everyone.
• He faced dismissal from work.
• They celebrated the dismissal of false claims.

Withhold

Withhold means to not give something intentionally. It can be information, permission, or help. Withholding shows control or refusal. People often use withhold when protecting themselves or rules. It is common in work and personal life.

• She withheld important information.
• He withheld consent for the project.
• They withheld the payment temporarily.

Resist

Resist means to fight against or refuse something. It is often used with temptation, pressure, or actions. Resisting shows strength and decision. People use resist in daily life and stories. Resist feels active because you are saying no strongly.

• He resisted the temptation to lie.
• She resisted peer pressure.
• They resisted the unfair rules.

Abnegate

Abnegate means to refuse or deny yourself something. It is often used for personal sacrifice or self-control. People use abnegate when giving up comfort, pleasure, or desires. It sounds formal but shows strong personal decision. Using abnegate shows discipline and strength.

• She abnegated personal comfort for work.
• He abnegated luxury for savings.
• They abnegated their own needs for others.

Disapprove

Disapprove means to think something is wrong or unacceptable. It is common in parents, teachers, or leaders. Disapproving shows rejection politely or seriously. People use disapprove for behavior, actions, or ideas. It works well in social and formal situations.

• Parents disapproved of his behavior.
• She disapproved the plan quietly.
• They disapproved the project changes.

Revoke

Revoke means to officially cancel something. It is common with permits, licenses, or decisions. Revoking shows strong refusal and authority. People use revoke when the previous approval is no longer valid. It is formal and clear.

• The city revoked his permit.
• She revoked the invitation.
• They revoked the contract immediately.

Snub

Snub means to ignore or treat someone coldly. It is social and emotional. Snubbing shows rejection without words directly. People use snub in parties, groups, or interactions. Snub feels personal because it shows dislike or disapproval.

• She snubbed him at the party.
• He snubbed their greetings.
• They snubbed the invitation politely.

Turn away

Turn away means to refuse entry or help. It is often used for visitors, requests, or offers. Turning away is physical or emotional rejection. People use turn away in daily life and social situations. It shows clear refusal without harsh words.

• The guard turned away the visitor.
• She turned away the help offered.
• They turned away from unnecessary problems.

Final Thoughts

Using different words for reject makes your conversations more fun and expressive. Now you can refuse, deny, dismiss, or even spurn politely or strongly. Each synonym has its own flavor, so pick the right one for the situation and feel confident saying no with style.