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.

There was no immediate confirmation or denial from Washington.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

“Continued exploitation and denial of their freedom is making them worse, and time is running out!”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Justice Sonia Sotomayor made that clear in her stinging and persuasive dissent from the court’s denial of certiorari.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

Iran’s denial it’s in talks with the U.S. tempered early losses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

“I read in that grocery-store newspaper all about you boys,” the other trooper said, ignoring my denial.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam