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 of disprove

• 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

Nick Curtin has spent much of his 12 years in Denmark trying to disprove one sentence. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Siri says that the research the agency provided did not disprove a link to autism for those shots. — CNN Money, 16 July 2026

Act now to disprove the challenge, or be removed from the voter rolls. — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

Leppanen recounted that a colleague told her that the pouches dissolved even though the information that disproved this was available online. — Matthew Chapman, STAT, 14 July 2026

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