Dismiss vs. Deny: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
"To dismiss is to decide or consider that something is not important enough for consideration, while to deny is to declare a statement or belief to be untrue."
Key Differences
“Dismiss” typically refers to the act of rejecting or deciding against consideration or further attention. When a person dismisses something, they are generally deeming it unworthy or unimportant, for example, dismissing an idea or a suggestion. In contrast, “deny” predominantly means to declare that something is not true, often in the context of refuting a statement or accusation, for instance, denying allegations or denying access to information.
A person might dismiss a concept or notion if they believe it does not hold sufficient weight or importance. For instance, a manager might dismiss a proposal that they deem impractical or irrelevant. “Deny,” on the other hand, may be more about rejection of truth or refusal of acceptance, like when someone denies committing an action or denies the existence of a particular condition or state.
In legal contexts, “dismiss” often pertains to the termination of a case, where a judge may dismiss a case if it lacks legal grounding or evidence. Conversely, “deny” in legal settings might relate to the rejection of a claim or assertion, where a defendant might deny the charges placed against them, asserting their innocence or lack of involvement.
In casual conversation, to dismiss might mean to send away or allow to leave, often used in the context of ending a discussion or interaction, while to deny might imply a refusal to grant or allow something, which can include denying permission or denying a request.
In interpersonal interactions, dismissing someone can reflect a lack of interest or acknowledgment, possibly overlooking someone’s feelings or thoughts. Whereas denying someone can manifest through refusals or rejections, such as denying someone’s wish or denying acknowledgment of someone’s presence.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To decide or consider something as not important enough for consideration.
To declare a statement or belief to be untrue.
Context
Often relates to deeming unimportant or unworthy.
Primarily relates to refuting or declaring untrue.
Connotation
Can imply neglect or disregard.
Can imply refusal or contradiction.
Legal Usage
Relates to the termination of a case.
Relates to the rejection of a claim or assertion.
Interaction Implication
Can imply a lack of acknowledgment or interest.
Can imply a refusal or rejection of truth or request.
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Dismiss and Deny Definitions
Dismiss
To reject as unworthy or not important.
The manager decided to dismiss the new proposal.
Deny
To refuse to grant or allow.
They deny the prisoners any contact with the outside world.
Dismiss
To end consideration or treatment of.
The judge dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.
Deny
To refuse to accept the existence, truth, or validity of.
She denies the existence of global warming.
Dismiss
To decide against; reject.
They dismiss the idea as impractical.
Deny
To reject as false; to refuse to accept as true or accurate.
The company denies any wrongdoing.
Dismiss
To refuse to accept or recognize.
She dismisses any suggestion that she was wrong.
Deny
To declare a statement or accusation as untrue.
He denies all the allegations against him.
Dismiss
To end the employment or service of; discharge.
Deny
To declare untrue; assert to be false
"A senior officer denied that any sensitive documents had been stored there" (Scott Ritter).
Dismiss
To direct or allow to leave
Dismissed troops after the inspection.
Dismissed the student after reprimanding him.
Deny
To refuse to believe; reject
Deny the existence of evil spirits.
Dismiss
To stop considering; rid one's mind of; dispel
Dismissed all thoughts of running for office.
Deny
To refuse to recognize or acknowledge; disavow
The official denied any wrongdoing.
Dismiss
To refuse to accept or recognize; reject
Dismissed the claim as highly improbable.
Deny
To decline to grant or allow; refuse
Deny the student's request.
Denied the prisoner food or water.
Dismiss
(Law) To adjudicate (a cause of action) as insufficient to proceed further in court because of some deficiency in law or fact.
Deny
To give a refusal to; turn down or away
The protesters were determined not to be denied.
Dismiss
To eject (a player or coach) for the remainder of a game.
Deny
To restrain (oneself) especially from indulgence in pleasures.
Dismiss
To put out (a batter) in cricket.
Deny
(transitive) To disallow or reject.
I wanted to go to the party, but I was denied.
Dismiss
(transitive) To discharge; to end the employment or service of.
The company dismissed me after less than a year.
Deny
(transitive) To assert that something is not true.
I deny that I was at the party.
Everyone knows he committed the crime, but he still denies it.
Dismiss
(transitive) To order to leave.
The soldiers were dismissed after the parade.
Deny
(ditransitive) To refuse to give or grant something to someone.
My father denied me a good education.
Dismiss
(transitive) To dispel; to rid one’s mind of.
He dismissed all thoughts of acting again.
Deny
To take something away from someone; to deprive of.
Dismiss
(transitive) To reject; to refuse to accept.
The court dismissed the case.
Deny
To prevent from scoring.
Dismiss
(transitive) To invalidate; to treat as unworthy of serious consideration.
By telling the victim to "get over it", the listener dismissed the victim's feelings.
Deny
To disclaim connection with, responsibility for, etc.; to refuse to acknowledge; to disown; to abjure; to disavow.
Dismiss
(transitive) To send or put away, to discard with disregard, contempt or disdain. (sometimes followed by as).
She dismissed him with a wave of the hand.
Deny
(obsolete) To refuse (to do or accept something).
Dismiss
To get a batsman out.
He was dismissed for 99 runs.
Deny
To declare not to be true; to gainsay; to contradict; - opposed to affirm, allow, or admit.
Dismiss
To give someone a red card; to send off.
Deny
To refuse (to do something or to accept something); to reject; to decline; to renounce.
Dismiss
To send away; to give leave of departure; to cause or permit to go; to put away.
He dismissed the assembly.
Dismiss their cares when they dismiss their flock.
Though he soon dismissed himself from state affairs.
Deny
To refuse to grant; to withhold; to refuse to gratify or yield to; as, to deny a request.
Who finds not Providence all good and wise,Alike in what it gives, and what denies?
To some men, it is more agreeable to deny a vicious inclination, than to gratify it.
Dismiss
To discard; to remove or discharge from office, service, or employment; as, the king dismisses his ministers; the matter dismisses his servant.
Deny
To disclaim connection with, responsibility for, and the like; to refuse to acknowledge; to disown; to abjure; to disavow.
The falsehood of denying his opinion.
Thou thrice denied, yet thrice beloved.
Let him deny himself, and take up his cross.
Dismiss
To lay aside or reject as unworthy of attentions or regard, as a petition or motion in court.
Deny
To answer in negative; to declare an assertion not to be true.
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid.
Dismiss
Dismission.
Deny
Declare untrue; contradict;
He denied the allegations
She denied that she had taken money
Dismiss
Bar from attention or consideration;
She dismissed his advances
Deny
Refuse to accept or believe;
He denied his fatal illness
Dismiss
Cease to consider; put out of judicial consideration;
This case is dismissed!
Deny
Refuse to grant, as of a petition or request;
The dean denied the students' request for more physics courses
The prisoners were denied the right to exercise for more than 2 hours a day
Dismiss
Stop associating with;
They dropped her after she had a child out of wedlock
Deny
Refuse to let have;
She denies me every pleasure
He denies her her weekly allowance
Dismiss
Terminate the employment of;
The boss fired his secretary today
The company terminated 25% of its workers
Deny
Deny oneself (something); restrain, especially from indulging in some pleasure;
She denied herself wine and spirits
Dismiss
End one's encounter with somebody by causing or permitting the person to leave;
I was dismissed after I gave my report
Deny
Deny formally (an allegation of fact by the opposing party) in a legal suit
Dismiss
Declare void;
The President dissolved the parliament and called for new elections
Deny
Refuse to recognize or acknowledge;
Peter denied Jesus
Dismiss
To send away or allow to leave.
The teacher dismissed the class early.
Deny
To refrain from giving or granting.
Parents should not deny love to their children.
FAQs
Is deny about declaring something untrue?
Yes, to deny predominantly means to declare a statement or belief untrue or incorrect.
Does deny imply refusal or contradiction?
Yes, denying often implies a refusal or contradiction of a statement or request.
Can dismiss imply neglect or disregard?
Yes, dismissing can imply a sense of neglect or disregard for something or someone.
Can deny mean to refuse to grant something?
Yes, to deny can mean to refuse to grant or allow something.
Can an employer dismiss an employee?
Yes, an employer can dismiss an employee, meaning to terminate their employment.
Does dismiss mean to reject something as unimportant?
Yes, to dismiss often means to reject something as unimportant or unworthy of consideration.
In legal terms, can a case be dismissed due to lack of evidence?
Yes, a case can be dismissed if there is insufficient evidence to proceed.
Can dismiss refer to sending someone away?
Yes, to dismiss can also mean to send someone away or allow them to leave.
Can a person deny the existence of something?
Yes, a person can deny the existence or truth of something.
Does deny involve rejecting something as false?
Yes, to deny involves rejecting a statement or belief as false or untrue.
Can dismiss imply a decision against something?
Yes, to dismiss can imply deciding against or rejecting something.
Can deny in legal terms relate to rejecting a claim?
Yes, to deny in legal terms can relate to rejecting a claim or assertion of fact.
Can you dismiss an idea or a suggestion?
Yes, an idea or a suggestion can be dismissed if deemed unworthy or irrelevant.
Can dismiss be used in educational settings to end a class?
Yes, in educational settings, a teacher can dismiss the class, allowing students to leave.
Does dismiss involve ending consideration or treatment of something?
Yes, to dismiss can involve ending consideration or treatment of something.
Can denying imply a refusal to acknowledge truth?
Yes, denying can imply a refusal to acknowledge the truth or validity of something.
Can someone deny access to information?
Yes, someone can deny access to information, meaning to refuse to provide it.
Can dismissing someone reflect a lack of acknowledgment?
Yes, dismissing someone can reflect a lack of acknowledgment or interest.
Can deny refer to a refusal to admit the truth?
Yes, to deny can refer to a refusal to admit or accept the truth.
Can someone deny wrongdoing?
Yes, an individual or entity can deny any wrongdoing, asserting they haven’t committed any improper acts.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
