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

Prosecutor Shanan Buckingham rebutted this, and said trial evidence showed Clancy’s clear motive. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

The company does, though, sell a scarf called Tulipomanie, covered in frilly blooms of an exquisiteness that seems to rebut the charge of excess hype with a wink. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

In a motion filed last week, Deputy Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Keith Scholl asked for a transcript of Kohberger's July 2, 2025, change of plea hearing, in which Kohberger's own words could be used to rebut the new claims in his petition. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026

The prosecution then called three rebuttal witnesses, called to rebut previous testimony, according to Cornell Law School. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026