disproof
Evidence against validity
Disproof is evidence or argument that shows something to be false or untrue—the opposite of proof.
A single counterexample can serve as disproof of a universal claim: The existence of black swans was disproof of the theory that all swans are white.
The word appears most often in logical, scientific, or philosophical contexts.
Formal response disputing claims
- counterargumentPoint challenging another's position
- refutationDisproving a statement
- negationDenial or cancellation
- invalidationAct of nullifying
contradiction · disconfirmation · repudiation · confutation · denial · nullification · overturning · quashing
Instance disproving a claim
- falsificationDeliberate alteration of truth
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
- anomalyDeparture from the expected
- discrepancyDifference between expected and actual
inconsistency · counterfactual · counterevidence · disconfirmation · negation · documentation · demonstration · exhibit
Error in reasoning
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
- invalidityState of being void
- premiseFoundation for logical argument
- inferenceConclusion reached through reasoning
deduction · syllogism · reasoning · counterexample · falsification · paradox · theorem · axiom
Lack of firm belief
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
- incredulityInability to accept something
distrust · suspicion · challenge · inquiry · critical thinking · verification · examination · testing
Traditional explanatory tale
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- misconceptionErroneous belief or understanding
- pseudoscienceBogus methodology posing as factual
- exposureState of being unprotected
unmasking · discrediting · demystification · quackery · charlatan · fabrication · fraud · misinformation
rebuttal
Formal response disputing claims
- counterargumentPoint challenging another's position
- refutationDisproving a statement
- negationDenial or cancellation
invalidation · contradiction · disconfirmation · repudiation · confutation · denial · nullification · overturning · quashing · reversal
counterexample
Instance disproving a claim
- falsificationDeliberate alteration of truth
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
- anomalyDeparture from the expected
discrepancy · inconsistency · counterfactual · counterevidence · disconfirmation · negation · documentation · demonstration · exhibit · data
fallacy
Error in reasoning
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
- invalidityState of being void
- premiseFoundation for logical argument
inference · deduction · syllogism · reasoning · counterexample · falsification · paradox · theorem · axiom · proposition
doubt
Lack of firm belief
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
incredulity · distrust · suspicion · challenge · inquiry · critical thinking · verification · examination · testing · investigation
myth
Traditional explanatory tale
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- misconceptionErroneous belief or understanding
- pseudoscienceBogus methodology posing as factual
exposure · unmasking · discrediting · demystification · quackery · charlatan · fabrication · fraud · misinformation · conspiracy theory
- refutationrefutation, rebuttal, counterargument, debunking, falsification
- reversalsreverse, undo, revert, overturn, flip
- objectionsobjection, complaint, protest, refutation, demur
disproofproof
Demonstration of truth
confirmation · verification · validation · substantiation · corroboration