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

State, national organizations join public rebuttal As the committee's final decisions are not shared with members of the public directly, Kenney felt the need to shed light on its decision. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024

The other candidate will have two minutes to respond, and then each candidate will get an additional one minute for further rebuttals. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2024

Following that, each candidate had one minute for additional rebuttals. —Caroline Linton, CBS News, 1 Oct. 2024

The candidates will have two minutes to answer questions, two minutes to respond to their opponents, and one minute for rebuttals. —Makena Kelly, WIRED, 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