refusenik

variants also refusnik
Definition of refuseniknext

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of refusenik Even Vanguard, the last refusenik, reversed itself in December to allow third-party crypto ETFs and is now hiring a digital-assets head. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 This, too, meshes with the politics of the time, given the lure that Canada had for those fleeing the draft, and the dangers faced by refuseniks who stayed behind. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025 Instead, Elam became a refusenik, as conscientious objectors are called in Israel, over his disapproval of the Israel-Hamas war. — Jade Walker, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025 When the Soviet Union lifted its ban on the Jewish refusenik emigration in 1971, my family saw their opportunity to start over in America. — Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022 Can the host forbid entry or try to make a refusenik toe the line? — Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2021 Natan Sharansky has been a computer scientist, a chess player, a refusenik, a dissident, a political prisoner, a party leader, a government minister, a nonprofit executive, and a bestselling author. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, 28 Nov. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refusenik
Noun
  • The uniform of the conformist — sports shirt, cardigan, tennis shoes — is as easily recognized as that of the recusant — dirty white T, sideburns, two days’ growth of beard.
    — Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 15 July 2019
Noun
  • More than 400 schools were shut in the aftermath of the rallies, which saw thousands of students mobilize to voice their discontent with run-down school buildings, long days and teacher shortages.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • In the second, presence comes with its own burdens, its own discontents.
    — David L. Ulin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Saudis did not blame any party for the attacks, but Houthi rebels took credit earlier for the airport strikes.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Attacks by the Houthis, the Yemeni rebel group, on commercial shipping in the Red Sea over the last three years have pushed major carriers around the Cape of Good Hope, boosting traffic at ports along Africa’s southern and western coasts.
    — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Refusenik.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refusenik. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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