Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Reject” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
To say no to something or refuse to accept or use it.
Meaning of Reject
To refuse to accept, approve, or use something; to push away or discard something as not acceptable.
4 Synonyms for Reject — Words Similar to Reject
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
refuse
/rɪˈfjuːz/To say you will not do something or will not take something.
Example: He refused the job offer.
decline
/dɪˈklaɪn/To say 'no' politely to something offered. Or to gradually get worse, smaller, or weaker over time.
Example: She politely declined the job offer because she preferred to continue her studies.
Smart Synonyms for Reject — When to Use Each
refuse
to say no firmly to something offered
decline
politely say no to invitations
dismiss
refuse to consider something seriously
How to Use Reject and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- The university rejected his application because his test scores were too low. B1
- She rejected the job offer because it didn't match her career goals. B1
- The body may reject a transplanted organ if the immune system reacts negatively. B2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Reject
What is another word for "reject"?
Common synonyms for "reject" include: refuse, decline, dismiss, discard.
What can I say instead of "reject"?
Try one of these alternatives: refuse, decline, dismiss, discard. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
When should I use "reject" instead of "refuse"?
Use "reject" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "refuse" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.