What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spurn
Example
She spurned his advances and walked away. [spurned: past tense verb]
Example
The company spurned the merger proposal, citing irreconcilable differences. [spurned: past participle verb]
reject
Example
The university rejected his application due to insufficient qualifications. [rejected: past tense verb]
Example
She rejected the dress because it didn't fit properly. [rejected: past participle verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reject is more commonly used than spurn in everyday language. Reject is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while spurn is less common and has a more specific and intense connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spurn and reject?
Both spurn and reject can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, spurn is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while reject is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
