debunk

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈbəŋk How to pronounce debunk (audio)
Definition of debunknext
1
as in to refute
to prove to be false a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends

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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 The ominous acts would later be debunked and deemed fake by the FBI in July. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 July 2026 Nearly all of these claims have been debunked through investigations and audits. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026 But many of his claims, which echo his assertions after losing the 2020 election, have been debunked by investigations, audits or court proceedings. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2026 But one hypothesis, largely debunked, is that Mycenae was invaded by Dorians from the Peloponnese peninsula. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
  1. refute
  2. expose
  3. disprove
  4. uncover
  5. discredit
Verb
  • Vorbe, his family and lawyers vehemently refute the accusation.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Fauci’s decision to shield himself by staying silent gave Republicans free rein to attack him and his response to the COVID-19 pandemic without anyone to refute their statements.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of refute
Verb
  • His abrupt decision to abandon plans to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial rights to private equity marks a rare and significant political defeat, exposing the limits of his authority and raising new questions about his future leadership.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Skydio claims that the drone videos were exposed as a result of a misuse of its software by SFPD.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of expose
Verb
  • However, that result does not disprove the Food and Drug Administration's earlier identification as Taylor Farms de Mexico as the likely source of the outbreak.
    — Annika Kim Constantino,Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • Nick Curtin has spent much of his 12 years in Denmark trying to disprove one sentence.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of disprove
Verb
  • The golden age of exoplanet discovery Every year, astronomers uncover hundreds of new worlds, but the most exciting discoveries are no longer just about adding another dot to the catalog.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Still, while Mercury makes an opposition to your modern ruler, Pluto, this alignment could uncover a control issue (or misuse of power) involving an authority figure, client or family member.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncover
Verb
  • Those looking to discredit Fauci will surely make hay of these journal entries, which run from December 2019 to December 2022.
    — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
  • But questions about the former official’s notes may be intended to do more than shed light on the pandemic’s origins or discredit Fauci’s work.
    — Helen Branswell, STAT, 28 July 2026
Definition of discredit

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debugs
debunk
debunked
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Cite this Entry

“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunk. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of debunk for Spanish Speakers

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