Looking for synonyms for reject? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say reject.
- Decline
- Refuse
- Dismiss
- Turn down
- Spurn
- Repudiate
- Rebuff
- Disapprove
- Renounce
- Veto
- Repel
- Disallow
- Negate
- Forsake
- Snub
- Nix
- Overrule
- Discard
- Abandon
- Disregard
Want to learn how to say reject professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Decline
Appropriate use: Politely refusing an offer, invitation, or proposal.
Example: “After careful consideration, she decided to decline the job offer.”
2. Refuse
Appropriate use: Firmly denying a request or offer.
Example: “The company refused to compromise its ethical standards for profit.”
3. Dismiss
Appropriate use: Rejecting an idea or proposal, often without serious consideration.
Example: “The board quickly dismissed the notion of merging with their competitor.”
4. Turn Down
Appropriate use: Refusing an offer or request.
Example: “He turned down the opportunity to lead the new project, citing time constraints.”
5. Spurn
Appropriate use: Rejecting with disdain or contempt.
Example: “Her innovative proposal was spurned by the traditionalists in the company.”
6. Repudiate
Appropriate use: Refusing to accept or be associated with something.
Example: “The CEO repudiated the allegations of financial misconduct.”
7. Rebuff
Appropriate use: Abruptly or ungraciously refusing.
Example: “The team’s request for additional resources was rebuffed by management.”
8. Disapprove
Appropriate use: Having an unfavorable opinion about something.
Example: “The committee disapproved of the proposed changes in company policy.”
9. Renounce
Appropriate use: Formally rejecting something once supported.
Example: “The director renounced her previous stance on the marketing strategy.”
10. Veto
Appropriate use: Exercising the right to reject a decision or proposal.
Example: “The president vetoed the bill that was passed by the legislature.”
11. Repel
Appropriate use: Driving or forcing something back.
Example: “The new policy repelled potential clients instead of attracting them.”
12. Disallow
Appropriate use: Declaring something to be not allowable or permissible.
Example: “The regulatory board disallowed the use of certain chemicals in food products.”
13. Negate
Appropriate use: Nullifying or causing something to be ineffective.
Example: “The new evidence could negate the previous court ruling.”
14. Forsake
Appropriate use: Abandoning or giving up something.
Example: “She decided to forsake her old marketing tactics in favor of more modern approaches.”
15. Snub
Appropriate use: Disdainfully ignoring or rejecting someone or something.
Example: “The company’s founder felt snubbed by the board’s decision.”
16. Nix
Appropriate use: Informal; to cancel or put an end to something.
Example: “Management ultimately nixed the idea of a company-wide retreat.”
17. Overrule
Appropriate use: Rejecting or reversing a decision or view because of authority or power.
Example: “The senior management overruled the decision made by the department head.”
18. Discard
Appropriate use: Throwing away or getting rid of something as useless or unwanted.
Example: “The outdated equipment was discarded in favor of newer models.”
19. Abandon
Appropriate use: Ceasing to support or look after something; giving up completely.
Example: “The project was abandoned after the key investors withdrew their support.”
20. Disregard
Appropriate use: Paying no attention to; ignoring.
Example: “The company’s leadership disregarded the consultant’s advice on security concerns.”
