1
as in to deny
to declare not to be true
while he was publicly refuting rumors of a merger, behind the scenes the CEO was working to effect that very outcome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to discredit
to prove to be false
the victories of African-American athlete Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics effectively refuted the racial views of the Nazis
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of refute
This was later refuted by a group of climate scientists.
—
Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 28 Dec. 2025
However, both refuted talk of their differing opinions causing the fracture.
—Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025
Those allegations were never refuted by the administration.
—Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025
JPMorgan Chase also refuted the claims.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refute
Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 28 Dec. 2025
However, both refuted talk of their differing opinions causing the fracture.
—Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025
Those allegations were never refuted by the administration.
—Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025
JPMorgan Chase also refuted the claims.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refute
Verb
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Despite vocal support from Aspire Capitol Heights families and a concerted effort from school leaders to prove that the school’s fiscal and academic issues could be solved, the board voted 4-1 to deny the school’s charter renewal.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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My mother has been denied access to medical care, the right to speak, and every basic human freedom.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In this case, focusing on a dress versus the altruistic work Turner is doing feels like an attempt to discredit that very noble work.—
Essence,
Essence,
5 Jan. 2026
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Continue reading … ‘COMPLETELY FAILED’ – CNN mocked for ‘effort to discredit’ Minnesota daycare fraud reporting.—
,
FOXNews.com,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Bonta rejected the allegations as unsubstantiated and said the states were targeted solely because of their political leadership.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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For at least the third time in just over a year, Humphrey has rejected most serious charges against rule-breaking cops.—
Stephanie Stremplewski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In the email, Epstein instructed Maxwell to offer a reward to anyone who could help disprove Giuffre’s allegation.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
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Notions had persisted that Brahe was poisoned to death with mercury, but later analyses of his bones and teeth disproved the idea.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Rusev pointed to his own match history in AEW as evidence contradicting the rumors.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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The research had significant limitations, was not designed to be able to prove cause and effect, and contradicts previous studies that indicated positives for heart health.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Lawyers also argued the conviction should be overturned because the verdict was tainted by the media attention and due to faulty instructions to the jury.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
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In 2005, Yates’ conviction was overturned by the Texas Court of Appeals.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The cast largely helps to keep things grounded, rebutting the histrionics by treating each claim with legitimacy or reciting each gauche line with apt conviction.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
6 Nov. 2025
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Johnson's attorney denies allegations against the police chief Johnson's attorney, Michael Fox, rebutted the allegations against his client.—
Adrienne Davis,
jsonline.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In response to questions from The Sacramento Bee, representatives from the governor’s office did not address any of the proposals lawmakers have been discussing.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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Before the closed-door session on Wednesday, board members publicly discussed approving, funding, and conducting an investigation into Bulson and any other board member who was potentially involved in the April 2024 incident.—
Ashley Paul,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refute. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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