Meaning & use
denials
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“denials” is a form of “denial”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Statements in which someone says that something is not true or did not happen.
Grammar: This is the plural of 'denial'; use it for more than one statement, or with words like 'several' and 'many'.
Patterns
- denials of something
- issue denials
- repeated denials
The company issued several denials after the story appeared online.
Despite his repeated denials, many people still doubted his explanation.
Her denials of any wrongdoing convinced the committee.
nounplural
Occasions when someone refuses to admit an unpleasant truth or refuses a request.
Grammar: Used as the plural of 'denial' for repeated refusals or refusals of several things.
Patterns
- denials of something
- denials from someone
The report listed denials of visas to several journalists.
His denials that he needed help worried his family.
There were denials of access to the building for most visitors.
Common combinations
- repeated denials
- His repeated denials finally convinced the police.
- issue denials
- The ministry issued denials within hours of the broadcast.
- denials of wrongdoing
- The bank's denials of wrongdoing did not satisfy regulators.
- flat denials
- She gave flat denials to every question about the money.
Synonyms and how they differ
- contradictions
- Contradictions focus on saying the opposite of what someone else said, while denials often suggest refusing to accept an accusation or truth.
- refusals
- Refusals are about not doing or not allowing something; denials are usually about saying something is not true.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: denials or denial?
denials vs denial
Denial is singular; denials is plural. Use 'a denial' for one statement and 'denials' for more than one.
Practice
The minister's repeated ______ of the allegations did not convince the public.
Choose one answer.
The plural 'denials' fits because 'repeated' suggests more than one statement and the verb is plural 'did not convince'. 'Denial' would need a singular verb phrase like 'did not convince' but 'repeated denial' is less natural here; 'deny' and 'denied' are verbs and cannot follow 'repeated' as a noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “denials”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.