disprove

verb

dis·​prove (ˌ)dis-ˈprüv How to pronounce disprove (audio)
disproved; disproven (ˌ)dis-ˈprü-vən How to pronounce disprove (audio) also disproved; disproving; disproves

transitive verb

: to prove to be false or wrong : refute
disprove a theory

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
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Mathematical Experiments Still, this does not necessarily disprove the HOD conjecture, or render Woodin’s Ultimate L program moot. Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2025 This forces you to consider what data would disprove your assumptions, rather than just confirm them. Ramalakshmi Murugan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 This can corroborate or disprove claims of the portion of materials present. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 21 May 2025 The board voted to sustain the profanity finding but determined there was not enough evidence to prove or disprove the other allegations. Kelly Davis, Mercury News, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for disprove

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of disprove was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disprove. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

disprove

verb
dis·​prove (ˈ)dis-ˈprüv How to pronounce disprove (audio)
: to prove to be false

More from Merriam-Webster on disprove

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