'refute' definitions:
Definition of 'refute'
(from WordNet)
verb
Overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof; "The speaker refuted his opponent's arguments" [syn: refute, rebut]
verb
Prove to be false or incorrect [syn: refute, rebut, controvert]
Definition of 'refute'
From: GCIDE
- refute \re*fute"\ (r[-e]*f[=u]t"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Refuted; p. pr. & vb. n. Refuting.] [F. r['e]futer, L. refuteare to repel, refute. Cf. Confute, Refuse to deny.] To disprove and overthrow by argument, evidence, or countervailing proof; to prove to be false or erroneous; to confute; as, to refute arguments; to refute testimony; to refute opinions or theories; to refute a disputant. [1913 Webster]
- There were so many witnesses in these two miracles that it is impossible to refute such multitudes. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
- Syn: To confute; disprove. See Confute. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'refute'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- abjure,
- advocate,
- allege in support,
- answer,
- answer conclusively,
- argue down,
- argue for,
- assert,
- assert the contrary,
- belie,
- break,
- champion,
- confound,
- confute,
- contend for,
- contest,
- contradict,
- contravene,
- controvert,
- counter,
- countercharge,
- counterclaim,
- cross,
- crush,
- defeat,
- defend,
- demolish,
- deny,
- disaffirm,
- disallow,
- disavow,
- disclaim,
- disconfirm,
- dismiss,
- disown,
- dispose of,
- disprove,
- dispute,
- espouse,
- evert,
- finish,
- floor,
- forswear,
- gainsay,
- impugn,
- join issue upon,
- maintain,
- make a plea,
- make a rebuttal,
- nonplus,
- not accept,
- not admit,
- nullify,
- oppose,
- overthrow,
- overturn,
- overwhelm,
- parry,
- plead for,
- put to silence,
- rebut,
- recant,
- reduce to silence,
- refuse to admit,
- rejoin,
- renounce,
- reply,
- repudiate,
- respond,
- retract,
- revoke,
- riposte,
- say in defense,
- settle,
- shut up,
- silence,
- smash all opposition,
- speak for,
- speak up for,
- squash,
- squelch,
- stand up for,
- stick up for,
- subvert,
- support,
- surrebut,
- surrejoin,
- sustain,
- take back,
- take issue with,
- undermine,
- uphold,
- upset,
- urge reasons for