Definitions

first refusal

NOUN

first chance to buy something

Synonyms

WEAK

first option option preemption prior right of purchase refusal right of preemption

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.

Mason said CBS News will have right of first refusal on any interviews he books and is helping to promote the launch of “Alchemy.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Forge noted that the right of first refusal process must be completed before trades on its platform are completed.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

“They offered no advance. The clause that I really should have taken out was the right of first refusal, which boxed me in,” she explained.

From Slate • Nov. 3, 2025

Microsoft has the right of first refusal to sell additional AI cloud capacity to OpenAI.

From Barron's • Oct. 15, 2025

Had he really known what was in his mind, he would have had nothing more to do with him after his first refusal.

From The Unknown Wrestler by Cody, H. A. (Hiram Alfred)