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

Hepburn defended his record in a 12-page rebuttal to Cervera’s evaluation. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026

Riley countered in the government’s final rebuttal, pointing out Birchmore spent her final day searching for baby names and chatting with friends. — Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2026

Of the thirty-seven authors of the rebuttal, six were employees of the Alzheimer’s Association, and nearly two-thirds disclosed recent relationships with Biogen, Eisai, or Lilly. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Thoreau’s essay, however, offers a direct rebuttal to an earlier text written by English clergyman and Utilitarian philosopher William Paley. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 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