rebuttal

noun

re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbə-tᵊl How to pronounce rebuttal (audio)
Synonyms of rebuttalnext
: the act of rebutting especially in a legal suit
also : argument or proof that rebuts

Synonyms of rebuttal

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Examples of rebuttal in a Sentence

an effective rebuttal to her claim of having the gift of clairvoyance
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.
Those are legitimate concerns, and yet the rebuttals are just as logical. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 2 July 2026 The rebuttal will be that any form of AI could or should be seen as theft and is a slippery slope toward taking away people’s jobs. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 26 June 2026 For years, Vladimir Putin has had a convincing rebuttal to anyone who thought Western sanctions would bring his country to its knees. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 July 2026 The long-distance dis came on the heels of Ibrahimović’s growly rebuttal following France’s opener against Senegal, an exchange that seems to have set the tone for the rest of the tournament. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuttal

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rebuttal was in 1792

Rhymes for rebuttal

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Browse Nearby Words

rebuttable
rebuttal
rebutter
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Cite this Entry

“Rebuttal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebuttal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rebuttal

noun
re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbət-ᵊl How to pronounce rebuttal (audio)
: the act of rebutting
also : argument or proof that rebuts

Legal Definition

rebuttal

noun
re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbət-ᵊl How to pronounce rebuttal (audio)
: the act or procedure of rebutting
also : evidence or argument that rebuts

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuttal

Nglish: Translation of rebuttal for Spanish Speakers

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