verb

refute

rih-FYOOT

verb

To prove that a claim or argument is false or wrong.

"The scientist refuted the theory with new experimental data."

"His alibi refuted the accusation entirely."

How to Use Refute

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo show, with evidence or argument, that something someone said is false.

Common mistake

Refute means to prove something wrong, not simply to deny or disagree with it — many people use it loosely to just mean "reject," which stricter usage guides consider incorrect.

Easily confused with

refuse →

Common pairings

refute a claim refute an argument attempt to refute

Word Forms

refuted past tense, refute plural, refuted plural, refutes singular, refute singular, refuted singular, refutest singular, refutedst singular, refuteth singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “refute” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The scientist _____ the theory with new experimental data.

Etymology

From Latin refutare, "to drive back, repudiate."

Rhymes for refute

ute cute mute lute flute acute haute brute chute route minute astute

See all rhymes for refute →