to prove that something is false or incorrect, to argue or debate against something

confute someone's claim, confute an argument, confute a misconception

Formal and Informal Expressions of confute

In different contexts, you can replace 'confute' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'refute, disprove, contradict' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'shoot down, debunk' is a commonplace synonym.

confute: Explore its Definition & Usage

confute Definition

1to prove that something is false or incorrect
2to argue or debate against something

Using confute: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "confute" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He confuted the theory with solid evidence.
Example
The lawyer confuted the witness's testimony.
Example
She confuted her opponent's argument with ease.
Example
The data confutes the hypothesis.

confute Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for confute

Antonyms for confute

Phrases with confute

confute someone's claim
to prove that someone's statement or assertion is false or incorrect
Example
The scientist confuted the critic's claim with empirical evidence.
confute an argument
to prove that an argument is invalid or unsound
Example
The philosopher confuted the opponent's argument with logical reasoning.
confute a misconception
to prove that a commonly held belief or idea is false or incorrect
Example
The historian confuted the popular misconception with historical facts.

Origins of confute

from Latin 'confutare', meaning 'to silence'

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Summary: confute in Brief

The verb 'confute' [kənˈfjuːt] means to prove something false or incorrect, or to argue against it. It is often used in academic and formal contexts, such as 'The data confutes the hypothesis.' 'Confute' can be used to describe disproving claims, arguments, and misconceptions.