disprove

verb

dis·​prove (ˌ)dis-ˈprüv How to pronounce disprove (audio)
disproved; disproven (ˌ)dis-ˈprü-vən How to pronounce disprove (audio) also disproved; disproving; disproves
Synonyms of disprovenext

transitive verb

: to prove to be false or wrong : refute
disprove a theory

Synonyms of disprove

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Examples of disprove in a Sentence

Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe disproved any lingering notions that the earth is flat.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But there’s no way to prove or disprove that, as with any of the WBC stuff. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 June 2026 These allegations will be disproved like all the rest. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 9 June 2026 Florida has spent six years quietly disproving all of them. — Christopher Carita, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026 And it’s left to the person it’s aimed at to disprove the association — after a bell has been rung that cannot be unrung. — Gary Grasso, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for disprove

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French desprover, from des- dis- + prover to prove

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disprove was in the 14th century

Rhymes for disprove

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Browse Nearby Words

disprovable
disprove
disprovided
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Cite this Entry

“Disprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disprove. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disprove

verb
dis·​prove (ˈ)dis-ˈprüv How to pronounce disprove (audio)
: to prove to be false

More from Merriam-Webster on disprove

Nglish: Translation of disprove for Spanish Speakers

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