rebuttal

[ ri-buht-l ]

noun

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

   Synonyms: confutation, denial, refutation, rejoinder

rebuttal

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebuttal¹

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

Example Sentences

It never condescends to Sisters Barnes and Paxton and they always have sound rebuttals at the ready; they are also observant, smart and canny.

From Los Angeles Times

When I would try to present any fact-based rebuttal, he would say, “This is what they want.”

From Salon

Meredith McCarroll co-authored a collection of essays called “Appalachian Reckoning” that serves as a rebuttal to “Hillbilly Elegy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Hiring in the US surged unexpectedly last month, in a rebuttal to those worried that the economy might be headed for a sudden, sharp downturn.

From BBC

Our inability to agree on a common set of facts and truths remains a mournfully repeated refrain, demonstrated within the substance of Tuesday night’s statements and rebuttals between the candidates.

From Salon

Related Words

• rejoinder
• reply