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rebuttal

rebuttal

60 6.7
A statement that says another person's argument is wrong
  • noun
  • /rɪˈbʌtəl/
translation icon : refutación
  • The lawyer's rebuttal effectively dismantled the accusations against his client.
  • rebuttal to an argument
  • counterargument and rebuttal
  • counterclaim and rebuttal

We now go to the rebuttal part of the debate.

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Examples

  • Mr. Huggins, you have one minute for a rebuttal.

  • If I may have a rebuttal, I'm not so sure.

  • So I have prepared in advance my rebuttal, which is that you are fired.

  • Perhaps I should call him as a rebuttal witness.

  • We now go to the rebuttal part of the debate.

  • The bill contains a rebuttal to this means test application when a court finds special circumstances.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Senator, your rebuttal to the ex president, his time has passed.

  • One may argue in rebuttal that the American situation is not really exceptional.

    Academic text (2001)
  • All right, let's hear the rebuttal to the Mouse's proposition.

  • Please the court, while we reserve the right to call rebuttal witnesses... the government rests.

Synonyms

contradiction
vsrebuttal
22 4.1

To say that another person's words are wrong

is aimed at disproving or arguing against rather than just saying wrong
retort
vsrebuttal
14 6.1

A quick clever reply to a comment that shows anger or wit

is an opposing argument that focuses on disproof rather than wit
counterargument
vsrebuttal
11 5.1

A reason that disagrees with another reason in a discussion

focuses on opposing rather than proving absolute falsity
refutation
vsrebuttal
  • Formal
10 6.8

An argument or evidence that proves a claim wrong

is any opposing statement, possibly without conclusive evidence
riposte
vsrebuttal
2 8.3

A quick clever reply to a remark or criticism

is used to oppose an argument but may not focus on cleverness
disproof
vsrebuttal
1 6.8

A fact or argument that shows an idea is not true

is often any opposing statement, not only evidence that disproves
counterstatement
vsrebuttal
  • Formal
1 7.3

A written or spoken reply that opposes another claim

is a general opposing argument, not only a formal reply
rejoinder
vsrebuttal
  • Formal
1 9.9

A defendant's written answer to the plaintiff's earlier statement

is a general opposing statement used broadly outside legal pleadings
refutal
vsrebuttal
8.8

An act of showing that an idea or claim is wrong

is an opposing statement that may not fully prove falsity
counterdeclaration
vsrebuttal
  • Formal
9.0

A written reply that opposes another statement

can be less formal and used privately to oppose an argument
counterthrust
vsrebuttal
8.2

A sharp reply that answers an accusation or argument

is an opposing argument that may be calmer and less forceful

Antonyms

104 2.7

Being approved or welcomed by other people

How Persuasive

refutation
  • Formal
10 6.8
rebuttal
60 6.7
reply
251 1.0

Surface Forms

rebuttal singular
rebuttals plural

Morphology

rebuttal = rebut (transparent) = rebut + al

The noun is formed by adding the common noun-forming suffix '-al' to the verb 'rebut', yielding the act or result of rebutting.

Etymology

Rebuttal comes from the verb rebut, made from re- meaning 'back' and an old but meaning 'to push', so it originally meant 'to push back'. That's why a rebuttal is an answer that pushes back against another person's argument and tries to show it is wrong.