disproof

noun

dis·​proof (ˌ)dis-ˈprüf How to pronounce disproof (audio)
1
: the action of disproving
2
: evidence that disproves

Examples of disproof in a Sentence

the DNA evidence was all the disproof needed to overturn the wrongful conviction
Recent Examples on the Web The disproof of the telescope conjecture is like that. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 22 Aug. 2023 Mistaking a cold snap for disproof of climate change is like mistaking a bad month for Apple stock for proof that Apple isn’t a good long-term investment. Jeremy P. Shapiro, The Conversation, 2 May 2023 Innovation is faster and more common when the global pool of scientific talent is engaged and can exchange ideas and share proof, or disproof, of concepts. Adam S. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 17 Mar. 2022 From a scientific standpoint, these claims of disproof are absurd. Jeremy P. Shapiro, The Conversation, 2 May 2023 And this fact leads to the final reason to resent deception, which is that voters do not accept being lied to unnecessarily – nor about matters subject to easy empirical proof or disproof. Michael Blake, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2023 Born 18 years earlier than Chesterton, Shaw outlived him by another 16, his life encompassing both world wars, unprecedented destruction, and the fundamental disproof of his early progressivism and cosmopolitanism. M. D. Aeschliman, National Review, 5 Dec. 2020 What about the disproof—the later findings that the bubbles linger in the knuckle after the crack? Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 29 Mar. 2018 But the insight is right on: A grandiose sense of victimhood, inflamed by epic fantasies and impervious to rational disproof, is one of the best tools there is for victimizing others. Will Heinrich, Roberta Smith and Martha Schwendener, New York Times, 18 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disproof.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disproof was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near disproof

Cite this Entry

“Disproof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disproof. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

disproof

noun
dis·​proof (ˈ)dis-ˈprüf How to pronounce disproof (audio)
1
: the action of disproving
2
: evidence that disproves
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