say no
Turn it down
To say no is to refuse or decline something.
The phrase often carries weight beyond simple rejection—it implies asserting boundaries or resisting pressure: She's learning to say no to requests that drain her energy.
Just say no became a slogan for drug refusal campaigns.
To not say no is to accept, often reluctantly or passively.
Dismiss as unsuitable
- rebuffAbrupt, curt rejection
- turn downReject or reduce
- passMove beyond or decline
- declineDecrease or refuse
withhold · abstain · demur · spurn · repudiate · renounce · opt out · bow out
Decrease or refuse
- refuseReject or garbage
- stand firmRefuse to retreat
- hold groundRefuse to yield position
- boundariesLines marking separation
backbone · courage · self-assurance · empowerment · fortitude · conviction · steadfastness · tenacity
Disagreement with authority
- objectTangible entity or aim
- opposeAct against something
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- contestOrganized competitive event
challenge · counter · contradict · protest · pushback · take issue · differ · clash
Official restriction on something
- forbidDeclare not allowed
- vetoOfficial refusal to approve
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- restrictTo impose limits upon
taboo · off-limits · not allowed · against the rules · interdict · embargo · moratorium · outlaw
reject
Dismiss as unsuitable
decline · withhold · abstain · demur · spurn · repudiate · renounce · opt out · bow out · brush off
decline
Decrease or refuse
- refuseReject or garbage
- stand firmRefuse to retreat
- hold groundRefuse to yield position
boundaries · backbone · courage · self-assurance · empowerment · fortitude · conviction · steadfastness · tenacity · insist
dissent
Disagreement with authority
contest · challenge · counter · contradict · protest · pushback · take issue · differ · clash · conflict
ban
Official restriction on something
restrict · taboo · off-limits · not allowed · against the rules · interdict · embargo · moratorium · outlaw · censorship
- assertiveness tipsspeak up, stand firm, be bold, take a stand
- opposeoppose, resist, defy, reject, refuse
- resolutionslose weight, quit smoking, save money, eat healthy, get fit
- abstinencesobriety, celibacy, chastity, teetotalism, fasting
- boundariesboundary, boundary line, borders, border, edges
- protest sloganssi se puede, enough is enough, rise up, resist, ban the bomb