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

Heather has a great rebuttal, which is that Emily is accusing her of things that Emily does herself. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

For all the conservative positioning of Anne as a rebuttal to more urban, racially diverse, multicultural programming…Anne had more significance than this neat divide between contemporary culture and conservative history. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Conspiracy theories have gone viral, prompting rebuttals of claims from reporters covering the case and experts in crime scene investigation and forensic psychology. — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

And let’s face it, his entire career has become a rebuttal to people who stopped believing in him. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 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