rebuttal

noun

re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbə-tᵊl 

: the act of rebutting especially in a legal suit

also : argument or proof that rebuts

Synonyms

• 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 Chinese government entities funding academic research, including the papers cited in the rebuttal to the DOE report, have been documented as working explicitly to advance the interests of the CCP. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025

The Bundys’ rebuttal more closely matches news reporting and a Department of Justice investigation of the shooting. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025

The McKissacks’ achievements stood as a living rebuttal to that false narrative. —Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

The researchers’ comments are a lengthy, point-by-point rebuttal to the report in the form of a peer review to the Climate Working Group report. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 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