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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debunk
Former Georgia Republican Party official Marci McCarthy, who pushed debunked claims about the state's voting machines, is the director of public affairs for CISA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
—
Stephen Fowler, NPR, 23 Jan. 2026
Nearly a year before Kim debunked the rumors, Cheban rejected the claims during a March 2025 interview with Us Weekly, sharing sentiments similar to Kim’s about their differing lifestyles.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Others think there isn’t enough evidence to debunk the theory entirely.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Their studies, documentaries and papers are often debunked, ridiculed and dismissed by experts on vaccines and immunology.
—Will Carless, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Stephen Fowler, NPR, 23 Jan. 2026
Nearly a year before Kim debunked the rumors, Cheban rejected the claims during a March 2025 interview with Us Weekly, sharing sentiments similar to Kim’s about their differing lifestyles.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Others think there isn’t enough evidence to debunk the theory entirely.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Their studies, documentaries and papers are often debunked, ridiculed and dismissed by experts on vaccines and immunology.
—Will Carless, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
Verb
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Councilmember Ted Bui refuted those concerns and maintained his vocal support of adopting a charter.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
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The lawmakers have refuted those claims, arguing that the probe is an act of political intimidation.—
Elena Moore,
NPR,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dell is finally good at something—but as her behavior becomes riskier and a shadowy troll threatens to expose her dark past, Dell must reckon with what her digital life ignores, and what real redemption means.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Such vague commands, the court said, leave agents guessing how to respond during fast-moving protest situations and expose them to possible contempt sanctions.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There are no specifics in the bill about what kind of proof a person would need to disprove another person’s citizenship.—
Meghan O’Brien,
States Newsroom,
29 Jan. 2026
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But a winter snow storm doesn’t disprove that the planet is, overall, warming.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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How a researcher uncovered the flaws Security researcher Eaton Zveare discovered the vulnerabilities in October while examining the website of a Bluspark customer.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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As online reviews turn vicious and everyone from staff to local collaborators falls under suspicion, Orsa must uncover the saboteur before the evening—and her pristine reputation—crumbles.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Supporters of Pahlavi were particularly vocal in Mashhad this month, as attested by the prevalence of pro-monarchy graffiti on city walls, and the regime’s propaganda devoted particular attention to discrediting the former crown prince.—
Davood Moradian,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
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Mayers said one lawful action should not be used to discredit another lawful action.—
Steve Karnowski,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunk. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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