Meaning & use

rebuff

verb·Advanced

To reject or refuse someone or something in a blunt or unfriendly way.

See it in a sentence

She rebuffed his offer of help, insisting she could manage alone.

The proposal was rebuffed by the committee without much discussion.

A note on using this word

Rebuff is also used as a noun for the blunt refusal itself, as in 'his request met with a firm rebuff.'

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

welcomeaccept

Another way to use it

2. noun

A blunt rejection or refusal.

His request for a raise met with a firm rebuff from management.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “rebuff”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.