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

The post-presidential-address rebuttal is widely seen as an opportunity for emerging party leaders to take the spotlight. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025

Here's what Trump may say and what Democrat is delivering a rebuttal. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025

Hours after that meeting in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Trump suggested that Ukraine had started the war, a comment that brought a strong rebuttal from Mr. Zelensky on Wednesday morning. —Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

In a final rebuttal, Deputy District Attorney John Lewin said the case was a simple one. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 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