spurn 1 of 2

spurn

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word spurn different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of spurn are decline, refuse, reject, and repudiate. While all these words mean "to turn away by not accepting, receiving, or considering," spurn stresses contempt or disdain in rejection or repudiation.

spurned his overtures of friendship

Where would decline be a reasonable alternative to spurn?

In some situations, the words decline and spurn are roughly equivalent. However, decline often implies courteous refusal especially of offers or invitations.

declined his party's nomination

When could refuse be used to replace spurn?

The words refuse and spurn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, refuse suggests more positiveness or ungraciousness and often implies the denial of something asked for.

refused to lend them the money

When would reject be a good substitute for spurn?

The synonyms reject and spurn are sometimes interchangeable, but reject implies a peremptory refusal by sending away or discarding.

rejected the manuscript as unpublishable

When might repudiate be a better fit than spurn?

The meanings of repudiate and spurn largely overlap; however, repudiate implies a casting off or disowning as untrue, unauthorized, or unworthy of acceptance.

teenagers who repudiate the values of their parents

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spurn
Verb
Two spurned lovers with tech connections make appearances. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025 The Palisades and Eaton Fires have spurned the most substantial evacuations. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2025 Republican donors who spurned the state party then are ponying up now. Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 On the other hand, the Yankees, after being spurned by Soto, turned around and invested $218 million in Max Fried, a legitimate ace (when healthy), giving them four starters, along with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and most recently Luis Gil, who have all pitched like No. 1’s during their careers. Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spurn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spurn
Verb
  • Instead, block unwanted calls and messages and refuse to provide financial information in response to an unexpected request.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Noboa refused to recognize Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela after his staged 2024 election and is also committed to fighting criminal gangs with all available resources to restore peace and security in Ecuador.
    Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • With his occasionally brusque manner, his maniacal secrecy about team selection and his refusal to explain his tactical decisions, Luis Enrique put a few noses out of joint in the French media.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But Han himself was impeached just two weeks later over his refusal to fill a vacant seat in one of the country’s top courts and was only reinstated to the role in late March.
    Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There are plenty of glaring examples, such as Steve Jobs and Google being rejected by some of the world’s most renowned VCs (https://www.bvp.com/anti-portfolio).
    Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Superior Court Judge Craig Collins from neighboring Gaston county also rejected it after Tench’s friends and family — his mother, sister and aunts — submitted and read aloud letters underlining the effect Tench’s disappearance and apparent death have had.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The hospital declined to say whether Ikner was one of their patients.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025
  • County officials declined to comment on the civil lawsuit.
    USA Today, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, in Wisconsin's recent Supreme Court election, the Democrats framed their victory as a repudiation of Musk.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The concern about the bank’s future is heightened as the second Trump administration doubles down on its repudiation of climate projects and promotes an accelerated expansion of U.S. oil and gas projects.
    Max Bearak, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Larger than life, his creation repulses and torments him, and Victor spends the rest of his life both running from it and trying to destroy it.
    Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The optical, stop-motion, and puppetry effects alone should make Brain Damage a priority on your watchlist, but Henenlotter’s film excites and repulses on a deeper level.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Spurn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spurn. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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