rebut Hear it!

rebut Definition

re·but (ri but′)

transitive verb rebutted -·but′·ted, rebutting -·but′·ting

  1. to contradict, refute, or oppose, esp. in a formal manner by argument, proof, etc., as in a debate
  2. Obsolete to force back; repel

Etymology: ME rebuten < Anglo-Fr reboter < OFr rebuter < re-, back + buter, to thrust, push: see butt

intransitive verb

to provide opposing arguments

Related Forms:

rebut Synonyms

rebut

v.

confute, counter, prove false, invalidate; see deny, disprove, refute. See syn. study at disprove.

rebut Usage Examples

Object

  • presumption: The onus was on the pursuer to rebut that presumption.
  • criticism: You do not have to rebut every criticism made.
  • argument: Davidson did a great deal to rebut these arguments.
  • claim: Relevant evidence to prove the offense may include anything tending to rebut claims of accidental presence near to the site.

Used with why or when

  • what: It was arranged to renounce and rebut what Hooper had been and what Hooper had done.

Modifying Another Word

  • easily: A first year law student could easily rebut the conclusions reached in the federal study.
  • vigorously: He used study evidence to rebut vigorously, myths surrounding the use of dialysis in older patients.

Browse dictionary entries near rebut

  1. ‹ rebus
  2. ‹ rebuking
  3. ‹ rebuker
  4. ‹ rebuked
  5. ‹ rebuke
  6. ‹ rebuilt
  7. ‹ rebuilding
  8. ‹ rebuild
  9. ‹ rebuff
  10. ‹ rebroadcasting
  1. rebuttable ›
  2. rebuttable presumption ›
  3. rebuttal ›
  4. rebuttal evidence ›
  5. rebutted ›
  6. rebutter ›
  7. rebutting ›
  8. rec ›
  9. rec'd ›
  10. rec hall ›