disprove

verb

dis·​prove (ˌ)dis-ˈprüv 

disproved; disproven (ˌ)dis-ˈprü-vən  also disproved; disproving; disproves

transitive verb

: to prove to be false or wrong : refute

disprove a theory

Synonyms

• refute

Examples of disprove in a Sentence

Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe disproved any lingering notions that the earth is flat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tootles’ death disproves this, showing that a hybrid being can die under extreme circumstances. —Leia Mendoza, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025

Needs teeth Reforms are being reversed not because data disproves the need, but because the politics now allow retreat. —Hansel Alejandro Aguilar, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025

Skeptics claimed that the researcher did not factor in findings from the 1978 Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP) that could disprove the theory of the cloth being artwork, such as a lack of pigment and the details of the blood stains, which are detectable with UV technology. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025

The earliest climate models made specific forecasts about global warming decades before those forecasts could be proved or disproved. —Nadir Jeevanjee, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French desprover, from des- dis- + prover to prove

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disprove

• approve
• improve
• remove
• reprove
• disapprove
• groove
• move
• prove

Kids Definition

disprove

verb

dis·​prove (ˈ)dis-ˈprüv 

: to prove to be false