Definitions

denial

[dih-nahy-uhl] / dɪˈnaɪ əl /

NOUN

dismissal, refusal of belief in

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disapproval rebuttal rejection repudiation retraction veto

STRONG

adjuration brush-off contradiction declination disavowal disclaimer disproof dissent forswearing nay negation negative nix nonacceptance prohibition protestation rebuff refutal refutation renouncement renunciation repulse turndown

WEAK

abstaining cold shoulder controversion disallowance dismissing gainsaying noncommittal refraining refusing rejecting renegement repudiating statement abnegation

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allowance approval confirmation ratification sanction

STRONG

agreement permission

WEAK

affirmation avowal claim corroboration vouching

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.

The accusation drew an immediate denial from Kennedy.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

In both cases, a yellow card was upgraded to a red after the referee was instructed to review at a pitchside monitor the possible denial of a goalscoring opportunity.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The campaign’s statement was followed hours later by a categorical denial from the congressman.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Antisemitism includes Holocaust denial, conspiracy theories about Jewish power and acts of exclusion or violence targeting Jewish people.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Cohen emphasizes that denial, though deplorable, is complicated.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Vocabulary lists containing denial

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

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Game Changer

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