To Refute

1. (transitive) To prove (something) to be falseor incorrect.
2. (transitive) To deny the truth or correctnessof (something).

Usage notes

The second meaning of refute (“to deny the truth of”) is proscribed as erroneous by some (compare Merriam Webster,1994). An alternative term with such a meaning is repudiate, which means to reject or refuse to acknowledge, but without the implication of justification. However, this distinction does not exist in the original Latin refūtō (“oppose, resist, rebut”), which can apply to both senses.

Synonyms

• (prove (something) to be false): debunk, disprove, rebut
• (deny the truth or correctness): deny, gainsay, rebut, reject, repudiate

Antonyms

• (prove (something) to be false): demonstrate, prove
• (deny the truth or correctness): accept, embrace