What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rebutted
Example
She rebutted his claim with evidence from the report. [rebutted: verb]
Example
The lawyer rebutted the prosecution's argument with a strong defense. [rebutted: past tense]
refute
Example
The scientist was able to refute the theory with new data. [refute: verb]
Example
He refuted the accusation with a clear explanation of his actions. [refuted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Refute is more commonly used than rebutted in everyday language. Refute is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rebutted is less common and often used in formal or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rebutted and refute?
Rebutted is typically associated with a formal or legal tone, while refute can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.