Definitions and Examples of reject, refuse, decline
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To refuse to accept, consider, or use something.
Example
The company decided to reject the proposal due to budget constraints.
To decline to do something; to say no to an offer or request.
Example
He had to refuse the invitation to the party because he was feeling unwell.
decline
To politely refuse an invitation or offer; to decrease in quality, quantity, or importance.
Example
She had to decline the job offer because it required her to relocate to another city.
Key Differences: reject vs refuse vs decline
- 1Reject implies a strong refusal to accept or consider something.
- 2Refuse is a more general term that can be used to decline an offer or request.
- 3Decline can be used to politely refuse an invitation or offer, or to describe a gradual decrease in quality or quantity.
Effective Usage of reject, refuse, decline
- 1Negotiations: Use these antonyms to express disagreement or refusal during negotiations.
- 2Social Interactions: Incorporate these antonyms in conversations to decline invitations or offers politely.
- 3Writing: Utilize these antonyms in writing to create conflict and tension in stories or essays.
Remember this!
The antonyms of accepts are reject, refuse, and decline. These words have distinct meanings and can be used in different contexts. Use them to express disagreement or refusal during negotiations, decline invitations or offers politely, and create conflict and tension in writing.