Definitions

refute

[ri-fyoot] / rɪˈfyut /

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.

RAND: Being able to marshal a lot of facts and evidence to refute conspiracy beliefs is really important.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

Ed Yardeni, president and chief investment strategist of Yardeni Research, also expects that the April retail sales data will refute the ongoing “chorus of predictions of an imminent consumer retrenchment.”

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

Next, the team searched for evidence that might support or refute each assumption.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

Ramaphosa tried to refute Trump's assertions and was backed up by John Steenhuisen, the white leader of the Democratic Alliance, which is part of the coalition government.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

When the famous Dr. Johnson was told of Berkeley’s opinion, he cried, “I refute it thus!” and stubbed his toe on a large stone.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!