Synonyms of refute

refute

verb

ri-ˈfyüt 

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

• deny
• reject
• contradict
• disavow
• negate
• disclaim
• repudiate
• disown
• disallow
• gainsay
• disprove
• disconfirm
• disaffirm
• negative
• rebut
• traverse
• challenge
• dispute
• confute
• disagree (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confirm
• acknowledge
• admit
• allow
• accept
• concede
• own
• adopt
• claim
• submit
• maintain
• embrace
• assert
• affirm
• declare
• avow
• announce
• verify
• profess
• substantiate
• validate
• espouse
• corroborate
• aver
• authenticate

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

• discredit
• disprove
• overturn
• rebut
• discuss
• challenge
• falsify
• debunk
• confute
• question
• belie
• disconfirm
• confound
• shoot down
• debate
• doubt
• give the lie to
• overthrow
• contest
• talk over
• query
• moot
• mistrust
• hash (over)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prove
• establish
• confirm
• verify
• validate
• show
• support
• record
• witness
• document
• substantiate
• identify
• evidence
• corroborate
• demonstrate
• certify
• illustrate
• back (up)
• evince
• display
• buttress
• manifest
• adduce
• attest
• authenticate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of refute

Ramaswamy has also refuted allegations his fortune came from misleading investors. — Philip Elliott, Time, 19 Oct. 2026

Others describe the studies necessary to replicate, refute or refine these advances and ensure the necessary scientific rigor to successfully discover and develop new drugs. — Fred D. Ledley, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

But Wright, the center’s attorney, refuted this, telling The Times that two investigations were done by independent third parties. — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

While refuting any suggestion of police repression, Lecornu condemned violence on the margins of protests, which were mostly peaceful Tuesday, despite the dramatic scenes that dominated coverage. — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026