rebuttal

noun

re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbə-tᵊl 

: the act of rebutting especially in a legal suit

also : argument or proof that rebuts

Synonyms of rebuttal

• 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 rebuttal, published Tuesday, is a clear sign of how intently China is focusing on the case – and the White House’s broader push to root out its influence in the region. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026

Thune’s office shot back with a rebuttal that accused Jeffries of revisionist history, noting that Republicans agreed to split it off as a concession to Democrats. —David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026

While the hosts tried to cut him off, Luke stayed on message, and the segment ended without a substantive rebuttal. —Joann Angelico-Stetson, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026

Share memories or drop rebuttals in the comments below. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1792, 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