rebuttal

noun

re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbə-tᵊl How to pronounce rebuttal (audio)
: the act of rebutting especially in a legal suit
also : argument or proof that rebuts

Examples of rebuttal in a Sentence

an effective rebuttal to her claim of having the gift of clairvoyance
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This had to be some existential rebuttal to the fire obliterating the Pacific Palisades across town. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025 Francisco will also return to deliver a rebuttal after the solicitor general's presentation. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025 Two weeks later, Fox News and Fox Business Network ran an awkward segment with a voting tech expert, Edward Perez, to present viewers with a rebuttal to those outlandish claims. David Folkenflik, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025 The accusation of prior lax utility regulation drew a sharp rebuttal from Arthur House, another influential Connecticut Democrat who serve as chairman of the Public Utility Regulatory Authority under former Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for rebuttal 

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rebuttal was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near rebuttal

Cite this Entry

“Rebuttal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebuttal. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

rebuttal

noun
re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbət-ᵊl How to pronounce rebuttal (audio)
: the act of rebutting
also : argument or proof that rebuts

Legal Definition

rebuttal

noun
re·​but·​tal ri-ˈbət-ᵊl How to pronounce rebuttal (audio)
: the act or procedure of rebutting
also : evidence or argument that rebuts

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuttal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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