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.
And after Super Micro broke that news to investors, auditor Ernst & Young came back with a World Series grand slam rebuttal. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024 Just admit you like the fancy smoothies (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) This is more of a rebuttal to all the hate, but just indulge me for a moment. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 The other candidate will be allowed two minutes for rebuttal. Stefan Becket, CBS News, 2 Oct. 2024 Candidates will be given two minutes to answer a question, two minutes to respond, and one minute for rebuttals. Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 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 22 Nov. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!