Guide 125 / 200 5 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “reject”
Five words that grade the firmness of a refusal.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Reject" is blunt and often too harsh. "Decline" is the polite default; "refuse" is firm; "dismiss" signals the idea isn’t worth weighing; "turn down" is the everyday register; "veto" is decisive and authority-backed.
ii · The swaps5 ways
- 01Decline neutral
polite, firm refusal
Decline the invitation with thanks.
- 02Refuse neutral
firm, plain refusal
Refuse to sign the amended clause.
- 03Dismiss neutral
set aside without weighing seriously
Dismiss the objection as unfounded.
- 04Turn down neutral
everyday phrasing
Turn down the counter-offer.
- 05Veto formal
authoritative rejection
The CFO vetoed the capex increase.