Word
rebuttal
Phoneticsre·but·tal, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈbətəɫ/
UK/ɹɪbˈʌtəl/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a statement or speech that explains why someone else's argument is wrong. You use it to defend your ideas by showing the mistakes in the other person's logic.
n. the act of refuting or contradicting an argument by offering contrary evidence or reasoning. Often used in formal debate or legal proceedings to address specific points raised by an opponent.
Examples
“She prepared a strong rebuttal to his claims.”
“The lawyer's rebuttal focused on the inconsistencies in the witness's timeline of events.”
“The scientist published a detailed rebuttal in the journal, systematically dismantling the flawed methodology used in the previous study's data collection.”
Examples
simple
“She prepared a strong rebuttal to his claims.”
contextual
“The lawyer's rebuttal focused on the inconsistencies in the witness's timeline of events.”
complex
“The scientist published a detailed rebuttal in the journal, systematically dismantling the flawed methodology used in the previous study's data collection.”
Usage
Commonly paired with the verb 'to offer' or 'to provide'; often takes the preposition 'to' when identifying the target argument.
Real-World Examples
“That has not stopped Trump amplifying these claims, in the face of the South African government’s furious rebuttals.” “If you don’t do something about it, you’re going to have taco trucks on every corner,” he added, triggering a tidal wave of memes and a rebuttal from Hillary Clinton.” Etymology
From rebut + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/rebuttal