Definitions

refute

[ri-fyoot] / rɪˈfjut /

VERB

prove false; discredit

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contradict counter disprove expose oppose quash rebut repudiate squelch

STRONG

abnegate break burn cancel confute contend contravene convict crush debate demolish disclaim dispute evert explode gainsay invalidate negate overthrow parry silence top

WEAK

argue against blow sky-high burn down cancel out disconfirm dispose of give the lie to give thumbs down to reply to shoot down shoot full of holes show up take a stand against tear down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agree aid allow approve assist concede help support

STRONG

concur endorse fix give in go along lose permit prove release surrender uphold yield

WEAK

ratify sanction

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Refute A strong verb, meaning “to disprove, to demonstrate falsehood”.

From The Guardian • Jun. 5, 2017

Refute those contradicting, and those resisting bring to me.

From A Source Book for Ancient Church History by Ayer, Joseph Cullen

The general rule governing this matter is: Refute only those arguments which are essential to the proof of the other side.

From Practical Argumentation by Pattee, George K.

MONTANUS, Refute, then, this syllogismus, quem tibi propano.

From Comedies by Holberg : Jeppe of the Hill, The Political Tinker, Erasmus Montanus by Holberg, Ludvig, baron

Refute the charges which have been brought against you, which overwhelm you, which induce me, the court, and everybody else, to consider you guilty.

From Within an Inch of His Life by Gaboriau, Émile

Vocabulary lists containing refute

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3

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The ACT: The Language of the Test, List 2

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Grade 9, List 3

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