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

An attorney for McClain will go next, followed by a government rebuttal and then, finally, jury deliberations, which may not begin until Wednesday. —Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025

Check out the original tweet, and MacFarlane's rebuttal, below. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

In the official Republican rebuttal to Healey's speech, Wrentham Rep. Marcus Vaughn held Healey over the coals for letting the shelter system get so expensive. —Mike Deehan, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025

This rebuttal sets Costco apart from other major companies that have eliminated DEI roles and initiatives as a result of pressure from anti-DEI activists. —Paolo Gaudiano, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rebuttal

• cuttle
• scuttle
• shtetl
• shuttle
• subtle
• suttle

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