rebuttal

noun

re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbə-tᵊl 

: the act of rebutting especially in a legal suit

also : argument or proof that rebuts

Synonyms of rebuttal

• refutation

Examples of rebuttal in a Sentence

an effective rebuttal to her claim of having the gift of clairvoyance

Recent Examples on the Web

In rebuttal, the Speaker claimed the current House has been the second most productive in the history of the institution, and the most productive in the last 80 years. — Don Wolfensberger, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026

Then a mic is passed around so attendees can share their thoughts or rebuttals. — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

In her rebuttal, prosecutor Shanan Buckingham said that this is the first time the court is hearing that Reddington is questioning the evidence. — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Her attorney, Roger Dreyer, was set to make his final rebuttal to Hogan’s arguments Thursday afternoon. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rebuttal

• cuttle
• scuttle
• shtetl
• shuttle
• subtle
• suttle

Kids Definition

rebuttal

noun

re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbət-ᵊl 

: the act of rebutting

also : argument or proof that rebuts

Legal Definition

rebuttal

noun

re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbət-ᵊl 

: the act or procedure of rebutting

also : evidence or argument that rebuts