blanket refusal

USAGE SUMMARY

"blanket refusal" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to a situation in which a person or organization refuses to accept any requests or make any exceptions. For example: "The head of the company gave a blanket refusal to the proposal from the other department, refusing to take any part in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But he said Rippon's response was a "blanket refusal to entertain the idea".

The Guardian

A blanket refusal to see the destitute and struggling deeply troubles me.

The New Yorker

Cardinal Napier said he was pleased that he was not met with a "blanket refusal".

The New York Times

Paxman said Rippon's response was a "blanket refusal to entertain the idea".

The Guardian

But Paxman said Rippon's response was a "blanket refusal to entertain the idea".

The Guardian

Even within Israel's peace camp, some have criticized the reservists' blanket refusal to serve in the territories.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

And given the inevitable variance involved in individual delisting requests then any general solutions — be it blanket requirements or blanket refusals — are always going to feel a little ill-fitting.

TechCrunch

In both, he chronicled the near-blanket refusal of government intelligence agencies, especially the C.I.A., to provide the committee with documents it requested.

The New York Times

Mel and Sue have received blanket praise for their refusal to "follow the dough" to Channel 4, but I have always maintained a dignified silence about my own noble sacrifices.

The Guardian - Opinion

The main reason for our inclusion on the OECD's list is Panama's refusal to sign a blanket exchange of information treaties.

The Economist

Following the IOC's refusal to introduce a blanket ban, it has been left to individual federations to grant Russians permission to compete, subject to ratification from the court of arbitration for sport.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blanket refusal" when you want to emphasize that there are no exceptions to the refusal. For example, "The company issued a blanket refusal to all requests for overtime during the holiday season."

Common error

While "blanket refusal" is acceptable in formal writing, avoid using it excessively in informal settings. Simpler terms like "outright rejection" or "flat-out refusal" may be more appropriate for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blanket refusal" functions as a noun phrase that describes a complete and unconditional rejection. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is commonly used in written English to convey that no exceptions or compromises are being made.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blanket refusal" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a complete and unconditional rejection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use in written English. It is particularly common in news and media contexts, as well as formal business settings. While versatile, simpler alternatives may be preferred in very informal contexts. The phrase effectively conveys that no exceptions or compromises will be made, emphasizing the decisiveness of the rejection. Its authoritative use in the Guardian, The New York Times, and other reputable sources further validates its standing as an acceptable and effective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outright rejection

Emphasizes the direct and unambiguous nature of the refusal.

complete rejection

Similar to "outright rejection", but with a focus on the exhaustive nature of the refusal.

flat-out refusal

Indicates a straightforward and unambiguous refusal.

unconditional rejection

Highlights that there are no terms or conditions under which acceptance would be considered.

absolute denial

Highlights the completeness and lack of exception in the refusal.

categorical rejection

Implies the refusal is made without any conditions or exceptions.

full denial

Indicates a complete and comprehensive rejection.

sweeping rejection

Suggests the refusal covers a broad range of possibilities or requests.

total declination

Suggests a formal and complete refusal.

unmitigated refusal

Emphasizes that the refusal is not softened or lessened in any way.

FAQs

What does "blanket refusal" mean?

A "blanket refusal" signifies a complete and unconditional rejection of something, with no exceptions or compromises.

How can I use "blanket refusal" in a sentence?

You can use "blanket refusal" to describe a situation where someone or something is entirely rejected. For example, "The government issued a "blanket refusal" to all asylum applications from the country."

What are some synonyms for "blanket refusal"?

Alternatives to "blanket refusal" include "outright rejection", "absolute denial", or "complete rejection".

Is "blanket refusal" formal or informal?

"Blanket refusal" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, although simpler alternatives may be preferable in very informal settings.