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Synonyms for refute


Grammar : Verb
Spell : ri-fyoot
Phonetic Transcription : rɪˈfyut

Top 10 synonyms for refute Other synonyms for the word refute

Définition of refute

Origin :
  • 1510s, "refuse, reject," from Middle French réfuter (16c.) and directly from Latin refutare "drive back; rebut, disprove; repress, repel, resist, oppose," from re- "back" (see re-) + -futare "to beat," probably from PIE root *bhau- "to strike down" (see bat (n.1)).
  • Meaning "prove wrong" dates from 1540s. Since c.1964 linguists have frowned on the subtle shift in meaning towards "to deny," as it is used in connection with allegation. Related: Refuted; refuting.
  • verb prove false; discredit
Example sentences :
  • Unconsciously his whole practice began to refute his theories.
  • Extract from : « Alice, or The Mysteries, Complete » by Edward Bulwer-Lytton
  • Traditions these which I mean not either to confirm with arguments of my own or to refute.
  • Extract from : « Tacitus on Germany » by Tacitus
  • And his sense of truth did not permit him to try to refute her accusation.
  • Extract from : « A Spirit in Prison » by Robert Hichens
  • I shall go back and refute that common scoffer, that caster of doubts.
  • Extract from : « The Burning Spear » by John Galsworthy
  • Neither did I tell you just now to refute me, said Dionysodorus; for how can I tell you to do that which is not?
  • Extract from : « Euthydemus » by Plato
  • But how can I refute you, if, as you say, to tell a falsehood is impossible?
  • Extract from : « Euthydemus » by Plato
  • And therefore he would have his friends examine and refute him, if they think that he is in error.
  • Extract from : « Phaedo » by Plato
  • Say rather, beloved Agathon, that you cannot refute the truth; for Socrates is easily refuted.
  • Extract from : « Symposium » by Plato
  • I cannot refute you, Socrates, said Agathon:—Let us assume that what you say is true.
  • Extract from : « Symposium » by Plato
  • And I hope that refute me you will, and not weary of doing good to a friend.
  • Extract from : « Gorgias » by Plato

Antonyms for refute

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019