he rebuffed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he rebuffed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who has rejected or dismissed an offer, suggestion, or approach in a firm or blunt manner. Example: "When she asked him for help with the project, he rebuffed her request without hesitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

He rebuffed us?

The New Yorker

Was he rebuffed?

The Economist

He rebuffed society.

The New York Times

They said they had offered, but he rebuffed them.

The New York Times - Sports

But he rebuffed speculation about a shot at prime time.

The New York Times

He rebuffed expressions of concern from some fellow Liberals abroad.

The New York Times

In keeping with a lower profile, he rebuffed a request for an interview.

The New York Times

He rebuffed Mr. Griffin's proposal for an hourlong debate with Mr. Sharpton about the book.

The New York Times

He rebuffed a lucrative job with DuPont, choosing instead to pay a social debt to his community.

The New York Times

He rebuffed the request and boasted about his recalcitrance in an e-mail to his hedge fund customers.

The New York Times

He rebuffed the demand of House Republicans that the controversial project be decided in haste under an election-year deadline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he rebuffed" when you want to convey a firm, direct, and sometimes blunt rejection. It's stronger than simply saying "he declined" and implies a more assertive stance.

Common error

Avoid using "he rebuffed" in very informal or casual situations. The term can sound overly formal or even harsh when a simpler word like "rejected" or "turned down" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he rebuffed" functions as a verb phrase where "he" is the subject and "rebuffed" is the verb in the past tense. It describes a completed action of rejecting something in a firm or dismissive manner, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he rebuffed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a firm rejection or dismissal. According to Ludwig, it is especially common in news and media contexts. While effective in conveying a strong refusal, it's important to consider the context and audience, as it can sound overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives such as "he rejected" or "he declined" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. Remembering these nuances will enhance your writing and ensure clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he rejected

Replaces "rebuffed" with a more common synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

he refused

A direct synonym, conveying a firm denial.

he declined

Suggests a polite refusal, slightly softening the impact compared to "rebuffed".

he dismissed

Indicates a rejection with a sense of disregard or lack of importance.

he brushed aside

Suggests a quick and dismissive rejection, minimizing the importance of what was offered.

he turned down

An informal alternative to "rebuffed", suitable for casual contexts.

he resisted

Highlights the act of opposing or warding off an advance or suggestion.

he opposed

Indicates disagreement and resistance to a proposal or idea.

he spurned

Implies a disdainful rejection, adding a layer of emotional intensity.

he wouldn't have it

An idiomatic expression indicating strong opposition or refusal.

FAQs

How can I use "he rebuffed" in a sentence?

You can use "he rebuffed" to describe someone who has firmly rejected an offer, suggestion, or advance. For example, "When she offered to help, "he rebuffed" her assistance."

What's a more formal alternative to "he rebuffed"?

While "he rebuffed" is already fairly formal, you could use phrases like "he declined" or "he rejected" in contexts that require utmost formality.

Which is correct, "he rebuffed" or "he refused"?

Both "he rebuffed" and "he refused" are correct, but "rebuffed" carries a stronger connotation of a blunt or dismissive rejection, while "he refused" is a more neutral term.

What can I say instead of "he rebuffed" in a casual context?

In a more casual setting, you could use phrases like "he turned down", "he said no to", or "he passed on".