Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Deny” — 5 Other Ways to Say It
To say firmly that something did not happen, or to refuse to allow or provide something.
Meaning of Deny
To say something is not true, or to refuse to give or allow something
How to Pronounce Deny
IPA: /dɪˈnaɪ/ Stress: oO
Two syllables with stress on the second: de-NY. The final 'y' sounds like 'eye'. Rhymes with 'try', 'fly', 'why'.
5 Synonyms for Deny — Words Similar to Deny
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.
reject
/rɪˈdʒekt/To say no to something or refuse to accept or use it.
Example: The university rejected his application because his test scores were too low.
disagree
/ˌdɪsəˈɡriː/To think something is not right or to have a different opinion from someone.
Example: I disagree with your decision about the project timeline.
Smart Synonyms for Deny — When to Use Each
refuse
when explicitly declining to give or do something
contradict
when directly stating the opposite of what was
reject
when saying no firmly to a request or
Antonyms of Deny — Opposite Words
How to Use Deny and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- The suspect denied the allegations in court. B1
- She denied him access to the building. B1
- Don't deny yourself the pleasure of taking a vacation. B1
Common Word Choice Mistakes with Deny
Not natural: They denied the employees a raise.
Better: They denied the employees a raise. (This is correct, but very formal; normally say 'refused to give' or 'didn't give').
This structure is grammatically correct but very formal. More natural: 'They refused to give the employees a raise.'
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Deny
What is another word for "deny"?
Common synonyms for "deny" include: refuse, reject, contradict, disagree, disown.
What can I say instead of "deny"?
Try one of these alternatives: refuse, reject, contradict, disagree, disown. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "deny" formal or informal?
"deny" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "deny" instead of "refuse"?
Use "deny" 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.
What are the antonyms of "deny"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "deny" include: admit, accept, allow, approve, confirm.