noun
Common
denial
dih-NEYE-uhl
Denial (noun) means a refusal to admit that something is true. Example: “Despite the evidence, his denial of any mistake never wavered.”
noun
1
A refusal to admit that something is true.
"Despite the evidence, his denial of any mistake never wavered."
"His denial of the affair only made things worse."
"The company issued a firm denial of the allegations."
2
A refusal to accept an unpleasant truth or reality, often as a psychological coping mechanism.
"He's living in denial, ignoring the growing pile of unpaid bills."
"Staying in denial about her health only delayed getting help."
"She was in denial about how serious the diagnosis was."
3
A refusal to grant or provide something requested.
"The denial of her visa application meant she could not travel."
"The council's denial of planning permission surprised the whole street."
"The bank's denial of the loan left them scrambling for funds."
How to use denial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSaying something isn't true, or refusing to face up to a hard reality, or turning down a request.
Common pairings
in denial
flat denial
denial of service
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Word forms
- Plural
- denials
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Despite the evidence, his _____ of any mistake never wavered.
Etymology
Formed from deny plus the noun suffix -al.
Synonyms
View more →
repudiation
rebuttal
contradiction
disavowal
rejection
negation
disaffirmation
defence
abnegation
demurrer
defense
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for denial
See all rhymes for 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."
