v. Function: verb
1
Synonyms: DISCLAIM , disacknowledge, disallow, disavow, disown, repudiate
Related Words: abandon, desert, forsake
Contrasted Words: adopt, embrace, espouse; recognize
Antonyms: acknowledge; admit
2 to refuse to grant FF1C; he was unwilling to deny the child's request FF1E;
Synonyms: disallow, keep back, refuse, withhold
Idioms: say no to, turn thumbs down on
Contrasted Words: allow, concede, let, permit; afford, give
Antonyms: grant
3 to restrain (as oneself) from or forgo what is pleasant or satisfying FF1C; decided to deny himself a second piece of pie FF1E;
Synonyms: abstain, constrain, curb, hold back, refrain
Related Words: eschew, forbear, forgo, sacrifice; inhibit, restrain; avoid, shun
Contrasted Words: overdo, overindulge
Antonyms: indulge
4 to refuse to accept as true, valid, or worthy of consideration FF1C; denying the existence of witches FF1E;
Synonyms: contradict, contravene, cross, disaffirm, gainsay, impugn, negate, negative, traverse
Related Words: decline, refuse, reject, repudiate; confute, controvert, disprove, rebut, refute; downface
Contrasted Words: affirm, assert, aver; allow, grant; authenticate, corroborate, substantiate, validate, verify; avow, confess; claim, submit
Antonyms: concede; confirm