rebuttal

noun

re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbə-tᵊl 

: the act of rebutting especially in a legal suit

also : argument or proof that rebuts

Synonyms

• confutation
• disconfirmation
• disproof
• refutation

Examples of rebuttal in a Sentence

an effective rebuttal to her claim of having the gift of clairvoyance

Recent Examples on the Web

And after Super Micro broke that news to investors, auditor Ernst & Young came back with a World Series grand slam rebuttal. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024

Just admit you like the fancy smoothies (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) This is more of a rebuttal to all the hate, but just indulge me for a moment. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024

The other candidate will be allowed two minutes for rebuttal. —Stefan Becket, CBS News, 2 Oct. 2024

Candidates will be given two minutes to answer a question, two minutes to respond, and one minute for rebuttals. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rebuttal

noun

re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbət-ᵊl 

: the act of rebutting

also : argument or proof that rebuts

Legal Definition

rebuttal

noun

re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbət-ᵊl 

: the act or procedure of rebutting

also : evidence or argument that rebuts