rebut

American  

[ri-buht] / rɪˈbʌt /

verb (used with object)

rebutted, rebutting

1. to refute by evidence or argument.

   Synonyms:

   confute, disprove

2. to oppose by contrary proof.

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verb (used without object)

rebutted, rebutting

1. to provide some evidence or argument that refutes or opposes.

rebut British  

/ rɪˈbʌt /

verb

1. (tr) to refute or disprove, esp by offering a contrary contention or argument

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Other Word Forms

• rebuttable adjective
• rebuttal noun
• unrebuttable adjective
• unrebutted adjective

Etymology

Origin of rebut

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English reb(o)uten, from Old French rebouter, equivalent to re- re- + bouter butt ³

Example Sentences

Justice Gorsuch thoroughly rebuts both, but his larger effort is to explain that the major questions standard is meant to protect legislative authority.

From The Wall Street Journal

And Morse rebutted the contention that Puig couldn’t understand English by playing audio of Puig reflecting in English about his interview.

From Los Angeles Times

The Canadian leader’s remarks to reporters Tuesday were meant to rebut comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

From The Wall Street Journal

Greenland, backed by Copenhagen, rebutted that it was not for sale and would decide its own future.

From Barron's

And he makes a claim for the relevance of his project: “These poems rebut the parochialism and tribalism that dog our present, even as they appeal to universal experiences and values.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• deny
• disprove
• fend off
• invalidate
• negate
• quash
• refute