What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deny
Example
He denied stealing the money. [deny: verb]
Example
The company denied the employee's request for time off. [denied: past tense]
Example
She denied any involvement in the crime. [denying: present participle]
reject
Example
The university rejected his application due to low grades. [reject: verb]
Example
She felt rejected by her friends after they excluded her from their plans. [rejected: past tense]
Example
He rejected the idea of going on a blind date. [rejecting: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reject is more commonly used than deny in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. Deny is more specific and often used in legal or official contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deny and reject?
Deny is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its legal and official usage, while reject can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
