Reject: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when something is dismissed outright or deemed unacceptable, often with a sense of finality. Can also refer to physical objects.

• The application was rejected due to lack of necessary documents.
• He rejected the offer without a second thought.

Appropriate for polite refusals, commonly used in formal or semi-formal situations.

• She politely declined the invitation to the party.
• They declined the job offer due to insufficient salary.

Implies a strong, direct rejection or unwillingness to accept something, often used in everyday conversation.

• He refused to apologize for his mistakes.
• The dog refuses to eat its food.

Used when refuting a statement, accusation, or claim. Can carry a strong connotation and is often defensive.

• He denied any involvement in the crime.
• The company denied the allegations against its product.

Expresses a feeling of moral, ethical, or personal disagreement, often carries a judgmental nuance.

• Her parents disapproved of her decision to quit school.
• The committee disapproved of the proposed changes.

A formal and emphatic way to reject, often used in legal, official, or serious contexts. It can be a bit harsh.

• The politician repudiated the claims made against him.
• The scientist repudiated the theory that had no empirical support.