rebut

[ri-buht]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR rebut ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), re·but·ted, re·but·ting.

to refute by evidence or argument.

to oppose by contrary proof.

verb (used without object), re·but·ted, re·but·ting.

to provide some evidence or argument that refutes or opposes.

Origin of rebut

1250–1300; Middle English reb(o)uten < Old French rebouter, equivalent to re- re- + bouter butt³

Related formsre·but·ta·ble, adjectiveun·re·but·ta·ble, adjectiveun·re·but·ted, adjective

Can be confuseddeny disapprove disprove rebut refute

Synonyms for rebut

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR rebut ON THESAURUS.COM

1. disprove, confute.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for rebut

invalidate, deny, refute, quash, disprove, negate, confound, repulse, top, negative, cross, break, controvert, repel, confute, defeat, overturn, evert, disconfirm

Examples from the Web for rebut

Contemporary Examples of rebut

No matter how I attempt to rebut these empty slogans, they never lose their power.
Why the South Loves Guns
David Sessions
December 16, 2012
These are the facts to rebut just a few of the fallacies I read on a daily basis about our party.
The Truth About Yisrael Beytenu
Hamad Amar
November 9, 2012
He's now running almost a full answer behind as he tries to rebut the last attack.
Debate Liveblogging
Megan McArdle
October 17, 2012
Defend Obamacare with human stories, and rebut Romney on preexisting conditions.
Michael Tomasky on the 8 Things Obama Needs to Do in the Debate
Michael Tomasky
October 16, 2012
The White House declined to send a spokesperson to Face the Nation to rebut Senator Graham.
Sunday Talk: Stephen Colbert, Lindsey Graham, & More (Video)
The Daily Beast Video
October 14, 2012

Historical Examples of rebut

Then why should we trouble ourselves with the attempt to rebut it?
Phyllis of Philistia
Frank Frankfort Moore
It had come into existence, not from any spiritual need, but entirely to rebut Butcherdom.
Old Mole
Gilbert Cannan
Not a hint is given that any testimony may be received to rebut the satisfactory proof given by the plaintiff.
A Letter to the Hon. Samuel Eliot, Representative in Congress From the City of Boston, In Reply to His Apology For Voting For the Fugitive Slave Bill.
Hancock
Mrs. Roebuck did not attempt to rebut this statement, and the warrant was discharged.
Mornings at Bow Street
John Wight
One cannot believe that it is necessary to rebut that accusation.
Woman and Womanhood
C. W. Saleeby

British Dictionary definitions for rebut

rebut

verb -buts, -butting or -butted

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

Derived Formsrebuttable, adjectiverebuttal, noun

Word Origin for rebut

C13: from Old French reboter, from re- + boter to thrust, butt ³

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for rebut

c.1300, "to thrust back," from Old French reboter, rebuter "to thrust back," from re- "back" (see re-) + boter "to thrust, hit" (see butt (v.)). Legalese sense of "try to disprove, refute by evidence or argument" is from 1817. Related: Rebutted; rebutting.