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
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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 is a political tactic of the most crude sort, making no effort to refute an argument but to instead impugn the motives of those making it, along with the assumption that people with white skin can always and forever have only suspect motives.
—
Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Browsh refutes the idea the NFL chose Bad Bunny as a political stunt.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
These claims have been widely refuted by cancer experts, who have publicly stated that there is no scientific evidence or clinical trial data to support them at this time.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Data consistently refutes the idea that theaters and streaming are in a zero-sum battle for different audiences.
—Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refute
Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Browsh refutes the idea the NFL chose Bad Bunny as a political stunt.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
These claims have been widely refuted by cancer experts, who have publicly stated that there is no scientific evidence or clinical trial data to support them at this time.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Data consistently refutes the idea that theaters and streaming are in a zero-sum battle for different audiences.
—Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refute
Verb
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Aljorna and Sosa-Celis denied assaulting the officer.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
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Decades later, Faraci cooperated with Modrowski’s lawyer during the post-conviction proceedings and submitted two affidavits in 2019 and 2011 denying Modrowski was involved, court records show.—
Christy Gutowski,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In some of the depositions, State Farm attorneys attempted to discredit their testimony.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
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During closing arguments, prosecutors used the four photographs at the center of the controversy to discredit the testimony of Link’s mother, the order says.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Zelenskyy previously stressed that the timing and format of any elections are matters solely for Ukraine and its citizens, rejecting any suggestion that the Kremlin could dictate the process.—
Ashley Carnahan,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
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The council also rejected, narrowly, a flat 2% increase suggested by Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez in a 7-8 vote.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Since his death in 1996, scientists have tried to prove or disprove them.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
13 Feb. 2026
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But Kennedy, in Senate testimony, has argued that a link between vaccines and autism has not been disproved.—
Matt Brown,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Administration officials persisted in those claims even after their accounts were largely contradicted by eyewitness videos.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
16 Feb. 2026
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And McCann’s version of events contradicts what Allen allegedly told other officials.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In 2022, the same court overturned a decision by Leon also dealing with military retiree jurisdiction.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
13 Feb. 2026
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Renewables are being deployed aggressively across much of the world even as the US, historically the world’s biggest emitter, overturned a landmark domestic climate ruling.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The defense’s own expert has since rebutted the forensics, arguing the methodology is flawed and insufficient to attribute the sites to anyone.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
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And Morse rebutted the contention that Puig couldn’t understand English by playing audio of Puig reflecting in English about his interview.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, senior leaders at Arizona State University were quietly hosting 30 leaders from Korean technical colleges to discuss how the United States might learn from their success in developing an AI-ready workforce.—
David Ignatius,
Washington Post,
11 Feb. 2026
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Neither Iran nor Oman offered any details on what had been discussed in Larijani's meetings.—
JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refute. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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