rebuffs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rebuffs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of rejecting or dismissing someone or something in a blunt or abrupt manner. Example: "Despite his persistent advances, she rebuffs his attempts to engage her in conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rutte also rebuffs the suggestion that the Dutch should abandon the goal of a 3% deficit in 2013.

The Guardian - Business

Smith is staunch in his defence of Sunderland's reputation, and rebuffs all attempts to discredit the historic achievement.

The Guardian

The endless rebuffs forced them to develop an unflinching optimism and thick skin.Conversions are easiest, they say, in places where Christianity is already entrenched.

The Economist

He rebuffs the frequent charge that liberals are wobblers or dreamers.

The Economist

Telefónica, a Spanish telecoms firm, owns 8.8% of China Unicom and politely rebuffs bankers who advise it to sell.

The Economist

After months of rebuffs, a consortium led by Grupo Ferrovial, a Spanish construction company, has moved a step closer to its ambition of taking over BAA, a British company which is the world's biggest operator of airports.

The Economist

Robert Gates, America's defence secretary, complained about petulant rebuffs from China, which at the time put up a cold front.

The Economist

Dr Abuelaish's Israeli employers provided permits but his daily journeys still meant excruciating delays, rebuffs and humiliation.

The Economist

The poll produced some spectacular rebuffs for the CPP in areas such as central Kandal province, where Mr Hun Sen lives.

The Economist

Mr Khin Maung Shwe rebuffs his party's critics, arguing that the NDF is "neither a military puppet nor on a confrontational line".More might be expected of the ethnic parties, as they at least have sizeable minorities in the seven state legislatures (out of 14) to which they were elected.

The Economist

Then the cost overrun was announced, and Gazprom squealed.Sergei Kuprianov, Gazprom's spokesman, rebuffs the idea that the company and the government are in cahoots.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rebuffs", ensure the subject clearly initiates the rejection. The word implies an active refusal, not passive disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "rebuffs" to describe situations where something is merely ignored or not acted upon. "Rebuffs" indicates an active and deliberate act of rejection, not simple neglect.

Linguistic Context

Rebuffs functions primarily as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of 'rebuff'. It denotes the act of rejecting someone or something in a direct and often abrupt or unkind way. Ludwig AI validates the use as demonstrated in its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Rebuffs, as analyzed, is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb to describe a direct and often abrupt rejection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys a firm dismissal. While alternatives exist, "rebuffs" often carries a stronger connotation of active resistance. Use it to convey a decisive act of turning something or someone down. Be mindful of its active connotation to prevent misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rebuffs sternly

Adds emphasis to the refusal, indicating a serious and firm rejection.

rejects outright

Emphasizes a complete and unequivocal refusal, stronger than a simple rebuff.

turns down flat

Suggests a direct and firm refusal, often of an offer or proposal.

dismisses summarily

Implies a quick and often disdainful rejection without much consideration.

spurns with disdain

Conveys a rejection with a sense of contempt or scorn.

refuses to entertain

Indicates an unwillingness to even consider something, let alone accept it.

gives the cold shoulder

Describes an unfriendly rejection, often by ignoring someone.

declines to consider

Formally refuses to give something attention or thought.

shuts the door on

Symbolically ends any possibility of something happening.

vetoes decisively

Emphasizes the power and finality of a rejection, like a formal veto.

FAQs

How is "rebuffs" used in a sentence?

The word "rebuffs" is used to describe someone rejecting or turning down something in a direct and often abrupt manner. For instance, "She "rebuffs" his advances" indicates she is actively rejecting his romantic attempts.

What's a good alternative to "rebuffs"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "rebuffs" include "rejects", "refuses", or "turns down". These words can convey a similar meaning of denial or dismissal.

Which is more forceful, "rebuffs" or "rejects"?

"Rebuffs" generally carries a stronger connotation than "rejects". While both imply refusal, "rebuffs" suggests a more direct and sometimes disdainful dismissal.

Can "rebuffs" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "rebuffs" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, or business documents where a clear and decisive rejection needs to be conveyed.