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 Researchers found genetic traces of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the deadliest form of malaria — effectively debunking the longstanding poisoning theory. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 Trump has long denied his loss to Biden, though his claims have been repeatedly debunked. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 22 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
  1. refute
  2. expose
  3. disprove
  4. uncover
  5. discredit
Verb
  • The museum also refuted claims of adverse working conditions.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Experts refute these claims, saying that modern vaccines actually target fewer antigens (immune-stimulating proteins) than older versions and that kids are exposed to far more antigens in their daily lives.
    — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of refute
Verb
  • Between 60% and 70% of new Ebola cases are being detected among people who were not already being monitored as contacts, meaning health workers may only discover infections after patients become sick and have had opportunities to expose others.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • This, in turn, left the defence exposed, with Sheffield United having 20 attempts on goal in Wrexham’s 2-1 fightback win at Bramall Lane in mid-March.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of expose
Verb
  • Most scientific evidence would agree, although disproving the other possibilities can be problematic.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Since the State could not disprove the justification defense beyond a reasonable doubt, the evidence resulted in the decision that no criminal charges would be filed against the fast-food employees.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of disprove
Verb
  • Once Wanda’s ruse is uncovered, the real Vision (now sporting a white costume) is reanimated and has his full memory restored.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Not that the impact on younger generations was going uncovered — certainly parents, educators and officials spoke out.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncover
Verb
  • Stafford played the Bears that week, and Jones needed to find a way to discredit Stafford and elevate Caleb Williams.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • By contrast, the defense will point to the parts of the book that are provably false, in an attempt to discredit it, explained David Roger, the former Clark County, Nevada, district attorney.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of discredit

Browse Nearby Words

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 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of debunk for Spanish Speakers

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