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
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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
This gives Martin authority to debunk the idea that a presidential ticket can uplift the down-ballot races, Williams said.
—
Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
Now, the Los Angeles Police Department captain is debunking rumors surrounding her remains.
—Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025
Allow Dress Code to demystify and debunk what to wear when and where, and how to wear it, as advised by those whose innate style never fails to inspire and influence.
—Freya Drohan, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2025
Extremism watchdogs envision that the case will help debunk the myth, propagated by the political Left, that antifa is simply an idea.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debunk
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Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
Now, the Los Angeles Police Department captain is debunking rumors surrounding her remains.
—Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025
Allow Dress Code to demystify and debunk what to wear when and where, and how to wear it, as advised by those whose innate style never fails to inspire and influence.
—Freya Drohan, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2025
Extremism watchdogs envision that the case will help debunk the myth, propagated by the political Left, that antifa is simply an idea.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debunk. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
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