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.

A trio of rulings on Thursday refute this smear.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

The assertion that Asian Americans and other nonwhite immigrants don’t “assimilate”—a freighted term, to be sure—is both easy and hard to refute.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

NHS South East London ICB said they "strongly refute any suggestion that decisions in this case have been driven by cost."

From BBC • May 19, 2026

If the allegations are false, he needs to refute each and every detail in thorough, incontrovertible fashion.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

"Possibly a gang member, say police, though his family has come forward to refute that claim. It seems there are more questions than answers in this story, Carl."

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon

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!