Search Dictionary
Definition of refutation

refutation

/ˌrɛf.jʊˈteɪ.ʃən/
ref · u · ta · tion
Plural:refutations
•
Adjective:refutative
JUMP TO:

refutation Lexical Profile

refutation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action or process of proving a statement, theory, or accusation to be wrong or false; a specific argument or piece of evidence that disproves something.

Example

"The scientist published a thorough refutation of the flawed climate model, citing decades of empirical data."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for refutation
Antonyms
View all antonyms for refutation

Word Nuance & Usage

'Refutation' strictly implies proving an argument or statement to be false through evidence or logic, whereas 'repudiation' and 'rejection' merely mean refusing to accept something without necessarily disproving it.

• Rhymes for refutation

• Nearby Words

refuse
refuser
refutable
refutation
refute
refuter
regain

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Latin 'refutationem', a noun of action from the verb 'refutare' meaning 'to drive back, check, or repress', which originally referred to beating back boiling water before acquiring the figurative sense of disproving an argument.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Refutation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/refutation
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.