the difference between refuse and reject

[Simonlue]

Hi,

They rejected damaged goods.
Can the word rejected be replaced by refused here?
Please expain the differences between them in any other situation?
many thanks.
Simon

[Conchita]

The word 'rejected' can indeed be replaced by 'refused' in your example without altering the meaning, as both terms express that we don't accept something,

Rejecting something, however, can also mean throwing it away as not satisfactory. Another context I can think of where they aren't interchangeable is in the sense of 'not giving someone permission': he was refused (not 'rejected') permission to leave the country.

[Simonlue]

Many thanks! You've really enlightened me!