debunk
verb
de·bunk
(ˌ)dē-ˈbəŋk 
debunked; debunking; debunks
: to expose the sham (see sham entry 1 sense 2) or falseness of
debunk a legend
debunker
noun
Did you know?
To debunk something is to take the bunk out of it—that bunk being nonsense. (Bunk is short for the synonymous bunkum, which has political origins.) Debunk has been in use since at least the 1920s, and it contrasts with synonyms like disprove and rebut by suggesting that something is not merely untrue but is also a sham—a trick meant to deceive. One can simply disprove a myth, but if it is debunked, the implication is that the myth was a grossly exaggerated or foolish claim.
Examples of debunk in a Sentence
The article debunks the notion that life exists on Mars.
The results of the study debunk his theory.
Recent Examples on the Web
Some remedies for allergy relief that have been circulating on social media or suggested by celebrities — like incorporating local honey into your diet to expose yourself to pollen — have been debunked.
—
Kenya Hunter, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
In fact, several US outlets, including The Times, debunked the videos.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
Many also share his belief that autism can be caused by vaccines - a belief that has been thoroughly debunked.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
From a thriving artisanal craft tradition to a slate of luxury hospitality openings, Mallorca has a lot to offer these days to debunk its onetime reputation as a bland resort outpost.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kenya Hunter, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
In fact, several US outlets, including The Times, debunked the videos.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
Many also share his belief that autism can be caused by vaccines - a belief that has been thoroughly debunked.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
From a thriving artisanal craft tradition to a slate of luxury hospitality openings, Mallorca has a lot to offer these days to debunk its onetime reputation as a bland resort outpost.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debunk. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
