What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
denial
Example
She was in denial about her addiction and refused to seek help. [denial: noun]
Example
He denied stealing the money from the cash register. [denied: verb, past tense]
refusal
Example
I received a refusal letter from the university stating that my application was rejected. [refusal: noun]
Example
She refused to attend the party because she didn't like the host. [refused: verb, past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Refusal is more commonly used than denial in everyday language. Refusal is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while denial is less common and is often used in specific fields such as psychology or law.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between denial and refusal?
Both denial and refusal can be used in formal and informal settings. However, denial may be more formal when used in legal or medical contexts, while refusal is more commonly used in everyday language.
