Synonyms of rebut

rebut

verb

ri-ˈbət 

1

as in to repel

to drive back

Stalingrad's defenders were finally able to rebut the besiegers, but only after a horrendous loss of life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• repel
• resist
• repulse
• turn back
• fight
• oppose
• deflect
• turn away
• fend (off)
• withstand
• stave off
• beat off
• hold off
• defy
• ward (off)
• spurn
• stand off
• rebuff
• snub

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• welcome
• embrace
• hail

2

as in to refute

to prove to be false

Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe effectively rebutted any lingering notions that the earth is flat

Synonyms & Similar Words

• refute
• disprove
• overturn
• discredit
• challenge
• falsify
• discuss
• debunk
• confute
• belie
• shoot down
• disconfirm
• confound
• question
• give the lie to
• doubt
• contest
• overthrow
• debate
• talk over
• query
• moot
• mistrust
• hash (over)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prove
• establish
• confirm
• verify
• show
• validate
• support
• witness
• record
• document
• substantiate
• identify
• evidence
• corroborate
• demonstrate
• illustrate
• certify
• back (up)
• evince
• display
• manifest
• buttress
• adduce
• attest
• authenticate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rebut

Following Resnick’s testimony, prosecutors called Mack to rebut the defense. — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Hatfield rebutted that the provision is about legislative authority, not that of a constitution. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026

But Mamdani’s national prominence as a progressive leader makes his comments disturbing and worth rebutting. — Daniel Kolkey, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2026

The sheriff's office also sought to rebut theories that had circulated publicly about the case, including claims that evidence was missing or the crime scene had been manipulated. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026