refute

verb

ri-ˈfyüt How to pronounce refute (audio)
Definition of refutenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of refute Though then-Bucks coach Doc Rivers refuted that report, Antetokounmpo acknowledged that the offseason was a time when temptation could be very real for him. — Eric Nehm, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Friends close to the Saturday Night Live alum refuted Wilde’s account, suggesting the real story was much more complex. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 19 June 2026 Two other retired judges later published their own piece refuting Gilliard’s contention. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026 Fortunately, video replay allows people to validate—or refute—a referee’s decision. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for refute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refute
  1. deny
  2. discredit
  3. reject
  4. disprove
  5. contradict
  6. overturn
  7. rebut
  8. discuss
Verb
  • Another was well denied by Major League Soccer goalkeeper Matt Freese.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • Dylan’s tour team denied all press access requests, in keeping with his longstanding refusal to permit media photography.
    — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
Definition of deny
Verb
  • Kiryl Pazniak, 49, who hosted a popular political show on YouTube, has been convicted on the charges of discrediting Belarus and forming an extremist organization, the group said — accusations widely used by authorities to stifle critical voices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • Green said earlier this year that Adebayo shouldn’t be underestimated and his 83-point game against Washington shouldn’t be discredited.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of discredit
Verb
  • What’s troubling to me, besides the obvious, is the insistence on finding a way to continue to eat animals if your body starts to reject them.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • Energy and shipping companies have loudly rejected a similar idea from Iran, under which ships would pay a toll in order to pass through the critical waterway.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 13 July 2026
Definition of reject
Verb
  • Investment Conviction Must Change With The Evidence One of the most useful habits an investor can develop is writing down what would disprove the thesis before entering the position.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • This meant no difference in the travel speed of light, essentially disproving the existence of the ether.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of disprove
Verb
  • Several immigration enforcement operations in the US over the last year have resulted in fatalities –– with initial descriptions from authorities of clashes between agents and suspects later contradicted by video evidence.
    — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • McConnell’s office has not publicly commented on Loomer’s claim, but Thune, Barrasso, and Jennings’ statements all directly contradict Loomer’s account.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2026
Definition of contradict
Verb
  • Rampaging around towns on the Tasmanian coast, Neil has stolen hearts even as he has been spotted overturning road posts, ramming into cars, sleeping in residential areas and blocking traffic.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 8 July 2026
  • Footage from the scene indicated at least eight vehicles were involved, including several that sustained heavy damage, and one that overturned.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026
Definition of overturn
Verb
  • Beasley and the other defendants will also have the chance to rebut the allegations.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 June 2026
  • Such interventions were rebutted by Dal Babu, a former chief superintendent of London’s Metropolitan Police.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Definition of rebut
Verb
  • The official was granted anonymity to discuss the administration’s strategy ahead of al-Zaidi’s visit.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
    — Mark Cooper, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of discuss

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Cite this Entry

“Refute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refute. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of refute for Spanish Speakers

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