The phrase "gave credence to" implies that something is believed or accepted as true. Antonyms for this phrase may include "negated," "disputed," "rejected," "denied," "doubted," "questioned," "ignored," "disregarded," or "challenged." Each of these words suggests a lack of acceptance or belief in something, which is the opposite of giving credence. Using these antonyms in place of "gave credence to" would convey a different message or perspective, potentially signaling a disagreement or skepticism towards the idea. When choosing an antonym for "gave credence to," it's important to consider the intended tone and message of the statement.