rebuttal

American  

[ri-buht-l] / rɪˈbʌt l /

noun

1. an act of rebutting, as in a debate.

   Synonyms:

   confutation, denial, refutation, rejoinder

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rebuttal Cultural  

1. A reply intended to show fault in an opponent's argument.

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Etymology

Origin of rebuttal

First recorded in 1820–30; rebut + -al ²

Explanation

When two people debate, one of them makes an argument, and the other follows with a rebuttal, which, plainly put, is the "No, you're wrong, and this is why" argument. We often associate rebuttals with arguments made in the courtroom or public debates that occur around election time, but the word can really apply to any situation in which an argument is put forth and someone disagrees and explains why. Sports fans, for instance, like to argue about the likely winner of an upcoming game, and when you make a case for why your friend is wrong, you are offering a rebuttal of his argument.

Example Sentences

Does the judge have an obligation to solicit rebuttal, or is it counsel’s job to insist on giving it?

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

In a rebuttal, prosecutors urged the judge to ignore the defense’s attempts to minimize the harm caused by Sangha.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

While not framed as a direct response to the earlier controversy, the casting offers a quiet rebuttal to the narrative that once surrounded him.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Citadel’s rebuttal points to software job postings up 11% on a year-over-year basis.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

The abolitionist wing of the Methodists circulated his pamphlets on Sunday morning and London periodicals published his arguments without rebuttal.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Related Words

• rejoinder
• reply