rebuttal
Americannoun
-
rebuttals
plural
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of rebuttal
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.
Vocabulary lists containing rebuttal
Argumentative Writing
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The AP English Exam: Rhetorical and Literary Terms 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Rhetoric
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The rebuttal by the Iranian foreign ministry follows Trump saying he had held off launching new strikes on the Islamic republic to allow for further diplomatic efforts, a familiar pattern in the conflict.
From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026
If you wanted a rebuttal to the whole argument, there it was, in government ink.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
The Daily Wire published a rebuttal to one particular argument about the bullet’s trajectory.
From Slate ● Jul. 21, 2026
Syrskiy on Monday said he was surprised to hear Fedorov’s account, posting a lengthy rebuttal where he defended his record.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
She continued with her rebuttal to the very idea that Walter would need an alibi, which seemed to generate support among the crowd.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
I can imagine diehard Green Lantern fans firing up their rebuttals as they read this.
From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026
The New York Times comments on his "subtle rebuttals" to Trump, while Le Monde said it took a King from the UK to remind US politicians of "the habit of sophisticated speeches".
From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026
After critics blamed lobbyists for Slater’s ouster, Davis posted several rebuttals External link on X.
From Barron's ● Feb. 13, 2026
If it is accepted, the Surface Transportation Board will review public comment and rebuttals before making a final decision sometime in 2026 or 2027.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 16, 2025
No matter how good a person’s rebuttals are, nothing matters if the person is living in a whole different reality.
From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
