refutation

plural refutations

1. countableuncountableAn act of refuting or disproving; the disproving of an argument, opinion, testimony, doctrine or theory by argument or countervailing proof; evidence of falseness.

   Near-synonyms: rebuttal (see note), counterargument, counterassertion, counterclaim, denial

   2 more examples

   Apply these tests to his arguments and you will render your task of refutation easier. But in your refutation, be sure you refute. Don’t think for a minute that either heat or violence or sarcasm is a good answer.

   1913, William Horton Foster, “Refutation”, in Debating for Boys, page 78

   The conclusion to which we shall be led by a full consideration of these facts will be that the effective refutation of such errors will frequently require further intellectual advance, and often advance on points which are very abstract and may seem very remote from the practical issues.

   1949, F. A. Hayek, “The Intellectuals and Socialism”, in University of Chicago Law Review, volume 16, number 3, Chicago: University of Chicago, →DOI, page 423

   Synonyms: refutal, confutation, disproof, disconfirmation, contradiction, gainsaying, rebuttal[refute, counterargument

2. countableproscribeduncountableA vocal answer to an attack on one's assertions.