Rebuff

To rebuff means to reject someone or something abruptly or rudely. It often implies a dismissive manner or an outright refusal of a proposal, request, or offer. The term can be used in various contexts, including social interactions, negotiations, and creative exchanges, indicating a firm resistance to acceptance or cooperation.

Rebuff meaning with examples

• When she proposed a collaboration on the project, his immediate rebuff took her by surprise, leaving her wondering what had gone wrong. Instead of discussing the idea, he simply said it wasn't his concern and turned away, making it clear he had no interest in working together, which hurt her feelings deeply.
• During the team meeting, when John suggested an innovative approach to the workflow, he faced a collective rebuff from the other team members. They dismissed his ideas without discussion, favoring the traditional methods they were already accustomed to, thus stifling any possibility of progress or creativity in their processes.
• After sending several emails about the budget proposal, Sarah felt the sting of rebuff when her supervisor finally replied with a curt refusal, stating they were not available for discussions. This left Sarah frustrated, as she had hoped for a conversation to explain the project's necessity and potential benefits.
• The artist experienced a rebuff when he showed his latest sculpture at the gallery, only to receive harsh criticism from the critics present. Their scathing reviews did not just critique the piece itself, but also questioned his abilities as an artist, which was a blow to his confidence and motivation.