1
as in to refute
to prove to be false
a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to expose
to reveal the true nature of
the investigative reporter easily debunked the charlatan's claims of clairvoyance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of debunk
No dating advice has ever debunked the delusions of straight, single women quite so swiftly.
—
Olivia Petter, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
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
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
It was often thought that Garcia played Tiger at his final show, before his death in August 1995, but that has recently been debunked.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Olivia Petter, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
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
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
It was often thought that Garcia played Tiger at his final show, before his death in August 1995, but that has recently been debunked.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
Verb
-
Jones, who lived in San Francisco for years before moving to Napa, refuted the insinuation of carpetbagging.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Saatchi, at least, welcomes pushback — and at times doesn’t even refute it.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The breach exposed personal data such as addresses and social security numbers for more than 60 million students and teachers nationwide.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Florida is particularly exposed.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Trump’s bogus claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him has been disproved time and again — in court, recounts, research and investigative reporting.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
However, Nick's attorneys countered that these findings didn't necessarily disprove his version of the events.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
By improving their algorithms and collecting more data, the team hopes to improve their measurements and possibly uncover deviations from existing theories.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Mar. 2026
-
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has also uncovered millions in SNAP and Medicaid fraud.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Dublin congressman told KRON that the White House hopes to discredit him in the race as a frequent critic and to boost the chances of his Republican rivals.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
29 Mar. 2026
-
That is certainly one way to discredit someone.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunk. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
