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.

Outwardly, she shows no signs of being devastated by her dad’s imminent passing, happily playing with him, almost in denial of his fate.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

A swift denial was issued in a joint statement by Haaland's father and agent, before City rubbished the suggestion.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

As my colleague Mary O’Grady quipped at the time, denial ain’t just a river in Mexico.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

But when asked whether he wanted to be a substitute for Merz, he reportedly responded only that he was "not a good football player", without issuing a firm denial.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Her look was one of painful denial, reminding me of a time long ago when she took my brothers and me down to a clinic to get our polio booster shots.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan

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!