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.

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

From The Guardian • Jun. 5, 2017

Refute is not now applied to persons, but confute is in good use in this application; a person is confuted when his arguments are refuted.

From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin

Refute those contradicting, and those resisting bring to me.

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

If it were false, why did not then your son Refute it?

From The Comedies of Terence by Colman, George

Refute, but remember always that constructive argument is more likely to win decisions than destructive.

From Public Speaking by Stratton, Clarence

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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