Refute

I see this word used a lot on this site, especially on the political threads. Usually it's used incorrectly. Until recently I did the same, but a copy editor pointed out my mistake. Unless it's clear someone proved an allegation to be false -- with supporting documents or infallible witnesses -- refute or refuted are not the right words.

From the AP Stylebook:

rebut, refute Rebut means to argue to the contrary: He rebutted his opponent’s statement.
Refute connotes success in argument and almost always implies an editorial judgment. Instead, use deny, dispute, rebut or respond to.

 

I think there are those who believe they are refuting those arguing against them when they provide links to back up their argument or debunk anothers.

Sometimes they do, and sometimes not.

 

Are you inferring that professional journalists don't know proper word-usage rules?