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

At Wednesday’s press conference, Powell specifically rebutted accusations that stagflation was back, arguing that both inflation and unemployment were far lower than they were in the 1970s.

From MarketWatch

And then he interrupted a question to return to a previous query about his play calling, needing to rebut the strangers on the internet picking apart his work.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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