rebuttal

A spoken or written answer giving reasons why someone else’s argument is wrong.

• She wrote a strong rebuttal.
• The newspaper published his rebuttal to the allegations.
• Can you provide a convincing rebuttal to that argument?

How to use it: rebuttal to something (The report offers a rebuttal to the minister’s claims.)

Similar words: counterargument, refutation

Common phrases: rebuttal to something, strong rebuttal, publish a rebuttal

The act of answering an argument with reasons or evidence that show it is wrong.

• She offered evidence in rebuttal.
• His rebuttal of the accusation took several minutes.
• The debate allowed equal time for argument and rebuttal.

How to use it: in rebuttal of something (She presented new evidence in rebuttal of his claims.)

Similar words: refutation

Common phrases: in rebuttal, rebuttal of something, offer rebuttal

A defendant’s formal answer challenging evidence presented by the opposing side in court.

• The defendant submitted a rebuttal.
• Her lawyer prepared a rebuttal to the prosecution’s evidence.
• The court considered the rebuttal before reaching its decision.

Common phrases: defendant’s rebuttal, submit a rebuttal, rebuttal to evidence