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

Tweets about Cunningham, thinkpieces, and rebuttals have all swirled into an endless mass of controversy — one dominated by derogatory rhetoric, threats, and anti-trans memes. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026

On rebuttal, Wessler noted that all of the allegations need to be considered together and holistically. — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026

Jackson used a portion of his rebuttal to try and refocus the discussion on Collins. — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026

The Times’ business columnist Michael Hiltzik did a convincing breakdown and rebuttal to Friedersdorf. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 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