denial
11 synonyms and 2 antonyms for denial, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A refusal to admit that something is true.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A refusal to admit that something is true.
“Despite the evidence, his denial of any mistake never wavered.”
repudiation
rebuttal
contradiction
disavowal
rejection
negation
disaffirmation
defence
abnegation
demurrer
defense
2. noun
A refusal to grant or provide something requested.
“The denial of her visa application meant she could not travel.”
Opposites
How to use denial
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in denial
flat denial
denial of service
Etymology
Formed from deny plus the noun suffix -al.
Full origin of denial →Frequently asked questions
What does “denial” mean?
The word “denial” means a refusal to admit that something is true. In plain terms, saying something isn't true, or refusing to face up to a hard reality, or turning down a request.
How do you pronounce “denial”?
“Denial” is pronounced dih-NEYE-uhl (/dɪˈnaɪ.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “denial” in a sentence?
Here is “denial” used in a sentence: “His denial of the affair only made things worse.”
What part of speech is “denial”?
“Denial” is a noun.
Is “denial” a common word?
“Denial” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “denial” have?
“Denial” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a refusal to admit that something is true.
What is the difference between denial and refusal?
You deny that something is true, but you refuse to do or accept something. A denial answers a claim or accusation ("a flat denial of the charges"), while a refusal answers a request for action ("a refusal to cooperate"). Denial can also mean not granting a request — a visa denial — which brings the two words close together.
What is the difference between denying something and being in denial?
To deny something is simply to state that it is untrue, which may be perfectly honest. To be "in denial" is a psychological state: refusing to accept an unpleasant reality — an illness, a loss, an addiction — despite clear evidence, as a way of coping.
Does self-denial mean being in denial about yourself?
No. Self-denial is deliberately going without pleasures or comforts, often out of discipline or sacrifice. Being in denial is refusing to face an unpleasant truth. A person practising self-denial knows exactly what they are giving up.
Which preposition follows denial — of or about?
The noun normally takes "of": a denial of the allegations, a denial of service. The fixed phrase "in denial" takes "about" when you name the topic: "He is in denial about his debts."
