counterevidence

noun

coun·​ter·​ev·​i·​dence ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈe-və-dən(t)s How to pronounce counterevidence (audio)
-və-ˌden(t)s
variants or counter-evidence
: evidence that contradicts something (such as a hypothesis or claim)
The sheer scale of the internet allows you to find evidence (if sometimes dubious evidence) for any claim you want to believe, and counterevidence against any claim you don't want to have to believe.Julie Beck
Let me acknowledge that a good deal of potential counter-evidence exists against my assertion …Richard Fulkerson

Examples of counterevidence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Other scientists point to a mountain of counterevidence showing that facial movements during emotions vary too widely to be universal beacons of emotional meaning. Lisa Feldman Barrett, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2022 Archaeological and geological counterevidence concerning Oak Island and the Money Pit point to something well short of an Indiana Jones movie. Dylan Taylor-Lehman, Popular Mechanics, 13 May 2021 An effective science defender will listen to a person’s reasons for not masking or vaccinating and share counterevidence without questioning their competence, good will or intelligence. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2021 Even the consensus may get scrapped and rewritten if sufficient, credible counterevidence turns up. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'counterevidence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterevidence was in 1661

Dictionary Entries Near counterevidence

Cite this Entry

“Counterevidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterevidence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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