refute

verb

ri-ˈfyüt How to pronounce refute (audio)
Definition of refutenext
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

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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

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.
Recent Examples of refute This timeline refutes the notion that classifying obesity as a disease is driven by commercial interests by drugmakers. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026 That would have dedicated more than a tenth of the NIH’s annual budget to investigating a hypothesis already refuted by scientists worldwide. — CNN Money, 16 July 2026 Many d This week, the department issued a follow-up statement refuting both of those claims. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 The distant thud of shelling punctuates the evening, refuting one guest’s optimism that the latest ceasefire agreement will endure. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for refute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refute
  1. deny
  2. discredit
  3. reject
  4. disprove
  5. contradict
  6. overturn
  7. rebut
  8. discuss
Verb
  • In the settlement agreement, the companies denied any wrongdoing.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Ted doesn’t try to deny this, then presses on anyway with a smile.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of deny
Verb
  • By contrast, the defense will point to the parts of the book that are provably false, in an attempt to discredit it, explained David Roger, the former Clark County, Nevada, district attorney.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • This is the result of a campaign to discredit RCV with misinformation by politicians threatened by it.
    — Paul Haughey, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of discredit
Verb
  • Craig has blamed Flanagan for a lack of oversight and accountability, allegations that Flanagan rejects.
    — Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The Braves were rejected by former Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom at the trade deadline.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of reject
Verb
  • Most scientific evidence would agree, although disproving the other possibilities can be problematic.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Since the State could not disprove the justification defense beyond a reasonable doubt, the evidence resulted in the decision that no criminal charges would be filed against the fast-food employees.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of disprove
Verb
  • The organization does not tolerate any actions that directly contradict the values and policies of the Fraternity and holds strict rulings against members and chapters that violate Fraternity expectations and the law.
    — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Austin’s post on Instagram seems to contradict what Henrie recently told TV Insider about Max’s absence on the show.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of contradict
Verb
  • Rengifo came to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs in the second inning after Tatis challenged a strike call that was overturned for a walk.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Ominously, the order pledges federal pressure, including from the Justice Department, to push states into overturning their own vaccine mandates.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of overturn
Verb
  • In a company addendum to the report, which did not identify its author, Blackbird appeared to rebut those questions.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But several players and commentators have been quick to rebut those.
    — the Monitor’s Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026
Definition of rebut
Verb
  • In those entries, Fauci discussed his views on the origins of the coronavirus — a topic Paul has accused Fauci of issuing misleading statements on, which Fauci has long denied.
    — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Mangione's lawyers and federal prosecutors in Manhattan also discussed a possible guilty plea in his federal case in June, sources previously told ABC News.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of discuss

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Cite this Entry

“Refute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refute. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of refute for Spanish Speakers

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