refutation

Noun

1. An 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
   • 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. -...
   • 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...

   Synonyms: refutal confutation disproof disconfirmation contradiction gainsaying rebuttal[refute counterargument counterassertion counterclaim denial

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