Polite refusal WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh /

Crossword Answer

1 ? N
2 ? O
3 ? S
4 ? I
5 ? R
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      Hint 1

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      Imagine turning down a request from someone with authority, but doing so with the utmost respect.

      Hint 2

      meaning
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      A courteous way of declining or rejecting something, typically using respectful language.

      Hint 3

      explanation
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      The phrase 'Polite refusal' suggests a way of saying no while maintaining courtesy. '?????' is a common expression used to respectfully decline a request or offer, emphasizing politeness with 'sir.'

      Hint 4

      another clue
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      Polite denial, Boot camp reply, Denial on an army base, Soldier’s denial, Gentleman's disagreement?

      Clue Analysis

      The clue “Polite refusal” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated February 26 2026, the definitive 5-letter answer is: NOSIR.

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      Polite refusal Crossword Clue