What Does “Reject” Mean?
The word “reject” is a verb and noun that primarily means to refuse, dismiss, or decline something. It can refer to the act of turning something or someone away, not accepting an offer, denying an idea, or discarding something as defective.
Synonyms of Reject
To better understand the word “reject,” here are some synonyms categorized by their strength and relevance:
Strongest Matches (Exact Synonyms)
- Refuse
- Decline
- Dismiss
- Deny
- Repudiate
- Spurn
- Rebuff
- Turn down
- Disapprove
- Negate
Strong Matches (Similar Meaning)
- Abandon
- Exclude
- Forsake
- Renounce
- Repel
- Snub
- Ignore
- Repeal
- Overrule
- Disregard
Weak Matches (Related or Loosely Connected Words)
- Avoid
- Shun
- Evade
- Withdraw
- Drop
- Rescind
- Object
- Abrogate
- Dissuade
- Ignore
Example Sentences Using “Reject”
- She rejected the job offer because the salary was too low.
- The scientist rejected the hypothesis due to insufficient evidence.
- His application was rejected due to missing documents.
- The proposal was rejected by the board after much deliberation.
- The factory had to reject several defective products before shipping.
Contextual Usage of “Reject”
Formal Usage:
- Used in business, academics, and legal settings.
- Example: “The company rejected the merger proposal.”
Casual Usage:
- Common in everyday speech.
- Example: “He asked her out, but she rejected him.”
Medical Context:
- Refers to the body refusing a transplanted organ.
- Example: “His body began to reject the new kidney.”
Technical/Industrial Usage:
- Used when items fail to meet quality standards.
- Example: “The inspector rejected the batch of faulty electronics.”
Related Words and Concepts
- Rejection (noun): The act of rejecting something.
- Rejectee (noun): A person or thing that has been rejected.
- Rejection-sensitive (adjective): Easily hurt by rejection.
- Rebuttal (noun): A counter-argument, often linked to rejection of a claim.
Final Thoughts on “Reject”
Understanding the word “reject” goes beyond its simple definition. It carries different meanings based on context, from formal business settings to personal relationships. Its various synonyms offer a nuanced way to express refusal, making it a versatile word in English.
Disclaimer
This page is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, language evolves, and meanings can change depending on context. Always consider the tone and setting when using synonyms or alternative words.
