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

Her attorney, Roger Dreyer, was set to make his final rebuttal to Hogan’s arguments Thursday afternoon. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026

The Indiana attorney general's rebuttal, however, argues Special Judge Frances Gull was correct to deny jurors from hearing that the killings were part of an Odinist ritual sacrifice. — Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 21 Sep. 2026

However, a 2026 paper on the subject has proved controversial; a formal rebuttal claims that the analysis is flawed. — Carrie Arnold contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026

In the state’s final rebuttal before jurors began deliberating Monday afternoon, Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Marc DiGiacomo dismissed Sanft’s argument that inconsistencies in Davis’ accounts undermined the prosecution’s case. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 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