Reject vs. Refuse: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
"Reject" means to dismiss as inadequate or unsuitable, while "refuse" means to decline or express unwillingness to do or accept something.
Key Differences
"Reject" and "refuse" both signify negative responses, but they have distinctive nuances and applications. "Reject" primarily implies a dismissal, often after some evaluation. For instance, a job application might be rejected after reviewing the candidate's qualifications, or a manuscript might be rejected by a publisher after reading. The focus here is on discarding or deeming something as unsuitable or inadequate. Meanwhile, "refuse" is more straightforward, indicating a decline or denial without necessarily implying prior evaluation or consideration.
While "reject" often carries a more formal tone, especially in contexts like professional or academic evaluations, "refuse" can be used in more casual settings. One might refuse an offer of food at a party or refuse to participate in a game. The act of refusing implies a choice or decision based on personal preference or circumstances. On the other hand, "reject" often comes from a place of judgment or assessment.
Metaphorically, both "reject" and "refuse" have broader applications. For example, one can reject an ideology, implying a deeper disagreement with its principles. Similarly, one can refuse to believe something, indicating strong skepticism or disbelief. While both words can be used in these broader senses, "reject" suggests a more thorough deliberation and "refuse" emphasizes the act of turning away.
In essence, while both "reject" and "refuse" imply negative responses, "reject" underscores evaluation and judgment, whereas "refuse" focuses on the act of declining without a detailed assessment.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Dismiss as inadequate or unsuitable.
Decline or express unwillingness.
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Evaluation
Often involves assessment before dismissal.
Can be without prior evaluation.
Tone
Typically more formal.
Can be more casual.
Contextual Flexibility
Primarily about unsuitability.
About unwillingness or decline.
Metaphorical Use
Yes, e.g., "reject an idea."
Yes, e.g., "refuse to accept."
Reject and Refuse Definitions
Reject
Fail to show due affection or concern.
He felt rejected by his peers.
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Refuse
Decline a request or demand.
The manager refused to grant him a day off.
Reject
Disallow or exclude.
The judge may reject evidence deemed irrelevant.
Refuse
Stop oneself from doing something.
He refused to comment on the matter.
Reject
Refuse to admit.
They rejected her application for membership.
Refuse
Indicate unwillingness to do or accept something.
She refused the job offer.
Reject
Throw away as useless.
The machine will reject defective products.
Refuse
Fail to perform a required action.
The engine refused to start.
Reject
To refuse to accept, submit to, believe, or make use of
He rejected their version of what happened. The store rejected the merchandise because it was damaged.
Refuse
Throw away or discard as useless.
The waste materials are collected and refused.
Reject
(transitive) To refuse to accept.
She even rejected my improved offer.
Refuse
To indicate unwillingness to do, accept, give, or allow
She was refused admittance. He refused treatment.
Reject
(basketball) To block a shot, especially if it sends the ball off the court.
Refuse
To indicate unwillingness (to do something)
Refused to leave.
Reject
To refuse a romantic advance.
I've been rejected three times this week.
Refuse
To decline to jump (an obstacle). Used of a horse.
Reject
Something that is rejected.
Refuse
To decline to do, accept, give, or allow something.
Reject
An unpopular person.
Refuse
Items or material discarded or rejected as useless or worthless; trash or rubbish.
Reject
(colloquial) A rejected defective product in a production line.
Refuse
Discarded, rejected.
Reject
(aviation) A rejected takeoff.
Refuse
Collectively, items or material that have been discarded; rubbish, garbage.
Reject
To cast from one; to throw away; to discard.
Therefore all this exercise of hunting . . . the Utopians have rejected to their butchers.
Reject me not from among thy children.
Refuse
(obsolete) refusal
Reject
To refuse to receive or to acknowledge; to decline haughtily or harshly; to repudiate.
That golden scepter which thou didst reject.
Because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me.
Refuse
(transitive) To decline (a request or demand).
My request for a pay rise was refused.
Reject
To refuse to grant; as, to reject a prayer or request.
Refuse
(intransitive) To decline a request or demand, forbear; to withhold permission.
I refuse to listen to this nonsense any more.
I asked the star if I could have her autograph, but she refused.
Reject
The person or thing rejected or set aside as inferior in quality
Refuse
(military) To throw back, or cause to keep back (as the centre, a wing, or a flank), out of the regular alignment when troops are about to engage the enemy.
To refuse the right wing while the left wing attacks
Reject
Refuse to accept or acknowledge;
I reject the idea of starting a war
The journal rejected the student's paper
Refuse
To disown.
Reject
Refuse to accept;
He refused my offer of hospitality
Refuse
To melt again.
Reject
Deem wrong or inappropriate;
I disapprove of her child rearing methods
Refuse
To deny, as a request, demand, invitation, or command; to decline to do or grant.
That never yet refused your hest.
Reject
Reject with contempt;
She spurned his advances
Refuse
To throw back, or cause to keep back (as the center, a wing, or a flank), out of the regular aligment when troops ar about to engage the enemy; as, to refuse the right wing while the left wing attacks.
Reject
Resist immunologically the introduction of some foreign tissue or organ;
His body rejected the liver of the donor
Refuse
To decline to accept; to reject; to deny the request or petition of; as, to refuse a suitor.
The cunning workman never doth refuseThe meanest tool that he may chance to use.
Reject
Refuse entrance or membership;
They turned away hundreds of fans
Black people were often rejected by country clubs
Refuse
To disown.
Reject
Dismiss from consideration;
John was ruled out as a possible suspect because he had a strong alibi
This possibility can be eliminated from our consideration
Refuse
To deny compliance; not to comply.
Too proud to ask, too humble to refuse.
If ye refuse . . . ye shall be devoured with the sword.
Reject
Dismiss as unsuitable or inferior.
The editor decided to reject the submitted article.
Refuse
Refusal.
Refuse
That which is refused or rejected as useless; waste or worthless matter.
Refuse
Refused; rejected; hence; left as unworthy of acceptance; of no value; worthless.
Everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
Refuse
Food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
Refuse
Show unwillingness towards;
He declined to join the group on a hike
Refuse
Refuse to accept;
He refused my offer of hospitality
Refuse
Elude, especially in a baffling way;
This behavior defies explanation
Refuse
Refuse to let have;
She denies me every pleasure
He denies her her weekly allowance
Refuse
Resist immunologically the introduction of some foreign tissue or organ;
His body rejected the liver of the donor
Refuse
Refuse entrance or membership;
They turned away hundreds of fans
Black people were often rejected by country clubs
FAQs
Can you "reject" an ideology?
Yes, to "reject" an ideology implies deep disagreement with its principles.
Can "reject" imply a thorough evaluation?
Yes, "reject" often implies assessment before dismissal.
Can "refuse" be used without prior evaluation?
Yes, "refuse" can indicate a direct decline without detailed assessment.
Can "refuse" imply a personal choice?
Yes, "refuse" often denotes a decision based on personal preference.
Can "refuse" indicate resistance?
Yes, like refusing to comply can suggest resistance.
Can "reject" imply emotional hurt?
Yes, like when someone feels rejected by friends or loved ones.
Can you "refuse" an order?
Yes, it means declining to follow or obey it.
Is "reject" more formal than "refuse"?
Typically, "reject" carries a more formal tone, especially in professional contexts.
Can you "refuse" to believe something?
Yes, it indicates strong skepticism or disbelief.
Can a product be "rejected"?
Yes, especially if it's deemed defective or unsuitable.
Is "reject" always negative?
Mostly, but context matters. For instance, rejecting harmful habits is positive.
Can "refuse" be synonymous with "deny"?
In some contexts, like refusing a request, it can be synonymous with "deny."
Is "reject" passive or active?
It's active, involving a decision to dismiss.
Which is stronger, "reject" or "refuse"?
Both can be strong, but "reject" often implies a more thorough dismissal after evaluation.
Does "reject" always imply faultiness?
Not always. While often about unsuitability, context determines the exact nuance.
Can one "refuse" an invitation?
Yes, it implies declining the offer to attend.
Is "refuse" only about declining offers?
No, it can be about declining any action, offer, or request.
Can you "refuse" help?
Yes, it means declining assistance.
Can you "reject" someone's advice?
Yes, it means dismissing their suggestions.
Can "reject" and "refuse" be used interchangeably?
Sometimes, but nuances differ. "Reject" often implies unsuitability, while "refuse" indicates decline.
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.
