rebuffed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rebuffed" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an act of rejection or refusal. Example: The CEO rebuffed the offer from the investor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, Miliband rebuffed her calls: "I have fought the Conservatives all my life.

The Guardian

McGowan also rebuffed the suggestion that she will have little impact as an independent MP who sits outside government.

The Guardian

Yanis Varoufakis rebuffed speculation that he could soon throw in the towel, less than five months after the leftwing Syriza party was voted in.

The Guardian

A stone citadel built in 1781 to repel bandits, the Ajyad fortress's demolition sparked an international outcry in 2002, but this was quickly rebuffed by the Saudi Islamic affairs minister.

The Guardian - Arts

I have some sympathy for those Labour operatives now insisting they urged Miliband to confront the Tory/Lib Dem narrative of Labour fiscal incontinence, only to be rebuffed – because I experienced that rebuffing for myself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Likewise, in 2003, Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei approved an intended grand bargain with the US – rebuffed by the Bush administration – under which Iran would have recognised a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

The Guardian

Mackinnon would doggedly raise the need for legislation over the next few parliamentary sessions, only to be repeatedly rebuffed.

The Guardian

Iran Britainn has rebuffed US pleas to use military bases in the UK to support the build-up of forces in the Gulf, citing secret legal advice which states that any pre-emptive strike on Iran could be in breach of international law.

The Guardian

John Howard made an attempt in 1999 by proposing a new preamble to the constitution acknowledging the first Australians, but the proposal was rebuffed by voters at a referendum.

The Guardian

Contribsx attempted to set up a page for Amin's successor, a little-known local councillor who was selected by Shapps, but this was rebuffed by Wikipedia's editors who questioned whether as a candidate he was politically important enough to have a page to himself.

The Guardian

Last month, the Qatari Investment Authority was rebuffed in a £2.2bn joint bid with a US property company to buy Songbird, the company that controls Canary Wharf, despite being its largest single shareholder.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rebuffed" when you want to convey a direct and often abrupt rejection of an offer, request, or advance. It suggests a clear and unambiguous refusal.

Common error

Avoid using "rebuffed" interchangeably with words like "rejected" or "refused" in all contexts. "Rebuffed" often implies a more abrupt or dismissive rejection, whereas the others can be more neutral. Ensure the tone matches your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

Rebuffed functions as a verb, typically in the past tense, to describe the action of rejecting someone or something in a direct and often abrupt manner. This is supported by Ludwig's examples which show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rebuffed" is a verb used to describe the act of rejecting someone or something directly and often abruptly. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct and usable in written English. Its usage is very common, particularly in news and media contexts, and it carries a neutral to slightly informal tone. When writing, be mindful of the subtle implications of abruptness. Be aware of the subtle difference between this and synonyms like "rejected". Remember that while both words mean to refuse or dismiss, "rebuffed" often implies a more direct and sometimes less polite refusal. It is a versatile word that adds depth to your writing when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rejected outright

Emphasizes a complete and immediate rejection, adding a sense of finality.

turned down flat

Suggests a firm refusal, often used in informal contexts.

met with resistance

Indicates opposition rather than outright rejection, focusing on the obstacle faced.

declined to accept

A formal way of saying no, suitable for professional settings.

spurned the offer

Implies a disdainful rejection, often used in literary or dramatic contexts.

brushed aside

Suggests a dismissive rejection, indicating that the offer was not taken seriously.

dismissed summarily

Indicates a quick and decisive rejection, often in legal or formal contexts.

vetoed the proposal

Implies a rejection by someone in authority, often in political or organizational contexts.

rebuffed advances

Specifically refers to rejecting romantic or friendly overtures.

gave a cold shoulder

Suggests an unfriendly rejection, often through ignoring or avoiding someone.

FAQs

How is "rebuffed" typically used in a sentence?

The word "rebuffed" is usually used to describe the action of rejecting someone or something in a direct and often curt manner. For example, "The company "rebuffed" the takeover attempt".

What are some synonyms for "rebuffed"?

Alternatives to "rebuffed" include "rejected", "repulsed", "declined", or "spurned". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "rebuffed" formal or informal?

"Rebuffed" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it carries a slightly stronger connotation of abruptness or dismissal. It is common in news articles, business reports, and general conversation.

What is the difference between "rebuffed" and "rejected"?

While both words mean to refuse or dismiss, "rebuffed" often implies a more direct and sometimes less polite refusal than "rejected". "Rebuffed" suggests a more forceful pushing away of an offer or advance.