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

But when the appraisal came in much lower than expected, even after a rebuttal with additional comps, the value still did not move. —Tim Maxwell, CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025

In a city newly adorned with Michelin stars and an influx of celebrity chef attention, Moto Moda — equal parts pizzeria, motorsport shrine and mid-century Italian daydream — almost feels like a rebuttal. —Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Nov. 2025

After an initial flurry of barbed statements and rebuttals, the two companies have settled into a less-vocal posture. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2025

Shortly after, CalPERS presented a rebuttal that said the report lacked context and misconstrued numbers about the pension system’s sustainable investments. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025

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