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

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

Erickson was seeking to refute claims by the family of Grossman’s victims that he and Grossman were racing when she hit Mark and Jacob Iskander, ages 11 and 8.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Therefore, no affected person was in the courtroom to refute the therapist’s claim that, since she only deploys speech, her counseling is harmless and deserves First Amendment protection.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Yet the evidence to refute this myth was printed as long ago as 1880.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

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!