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
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Recent Examples of refute
Saatchi, at least, welcomes pushback — and at times doesn’t even refute it.
—
David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
Ledford refuted that claim as hurtful and untrue in a 2021 Washington Post interview.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
After multiple exchanges back and forth, Moore refuted Leung-Tat’s claims that DiZoglio has answered Campbell’s questions to help the legislative audit proceed.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not refute the reports.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refute
David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
Ledford refuted that claim as hurtful and untrue in a 2021 Washington Post interview.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
After multiple exchanges back and forth, Moore refuted Leung-Tat’s claims that DiZoglio has answered Campbell’s questions to help the legislative audit proceed.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not refute the reports.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refute
Verb
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For certain great artists, Meis believes, the creative act is a safe harbor where life’s pressures, exigencies, and calamities aren’t so much denied or resolved as reimagined as pictorial dramas.—
Jed Perl,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
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Judge Antonio Arzola denied the request for a standard bond, citing probable cause, and issued an elevated $5,000 bond.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The financial motive was also discredited as George had previously turned down his share of the family inheritance.—
Patrick Salland,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
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The deputy gang narrative was a political campaign created to discredit my administration, never used during the McDonnell era, and mysteriously disappeared during the current administration.—
Opinion Staff,
Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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A day earlier, Iran rejected a 15-point proposal offered by American negotiators.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
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In response to the lawsuit, a government lawyer argued that forcing USCIS to lift the pause on Al Ghoula’s application and others like it could result in swift denials, warning that the applications would probably be rejected because security vetting is incomplete.—
Michal Ruprecht,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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His triumphs disproved Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler’s belief in white supremacy.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
31 Mar. 2026
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Trump’s bogus claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him has been disproved time and again — in court, recounts, research and investigative reporting.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Although the Germans, whose territory bordered Mozambique to the north, accepted the Portuguese claims—establishing Mozambique’s northern boundary—British claims to the region contradicted those of Portugal, leading to prolonged negotiations.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
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The defense attorneys sought to show that testimony from officers on scene that day contradicted their own body camera footage.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Barcelona defender Gerard Martín was sent off in the second half but the decision was overturned by video review.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
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Segal had seven of 10 ABS challenges overturned that day.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Earlier in the day, Gunn took to social media to rebut an item from Deadline floating names that had allegedly tested for the role.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Apr. 2026
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Rachel Comey, the brand, rebuts this claim.—
Maya Singer,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Inside Inter Miami’s latest episode discusses how the new stadium looked, felt and how the operational logistics played out during its premiere last Saturday with reactions from team owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas.—
Andre Fernandez,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
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During a candidate forum last month, several candidates discussed efforts to improve biking trails and walkability in North Kansas City, expanding community involvement and rising home prices.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Refute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refute. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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