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.

Deterrence by denial hinges on providing Taiwan with the weapons and other equipment it needs to defend itself—and thus deter Chinese aggression.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

A consular denial, meanwhile, is almost impossible to contest.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

Adam Hussein, a 35-year-old representative for Mongbwalu's traditional faith healers, fretted about Ebola denial and called on everyone to take precautions.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

If Southampton are found guilty - and they have not issued any kind of denial - then all options are on the table for the independent disciplinary commission.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

It’s not true, my head tells me with the zeal of denial.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

Vocabulary lists containing denial

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Game Changer

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!