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
Donut Lab’s solid-state battery claims have been thoroughly debunked by Ryan Inis Hughes on his popular Ziroth YouTube channel.
—
Thomas Ricker, The Verge, 9 June 2026
Locals believed the city’s cool, foggy climate nurtured a unique strain of wild yeast—a theory since debunked.
—Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026
While police later debunked this theory, this brazen claim altered the reputation of the accused and resulted in a lawsuit against the armchair detective who made the false statement.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 June 2026
Her description of the deceased Alex Pretti brandishing a gun that threatened the lives of Border Patrol officers was quickly debunked, with several videos showing how he was killed despite posing no threat.
—Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Thomas Ricker, The Verge, 9 June 2026
Locals believed the city’s cool, foggy climate nurtured a unique strain of wild yeast—a theory since debunked.
—Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026
While police later debunked this theory, this brazen claim altered the reputation of the accused and resulted in a lawsuit against the armchair detective who made the false statement.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 June 2026
Her description of the deceased Alex Pretti brandishing a gun that threatened the lives of Border Patrol officers was quickly debunked, with several videos showing how he was killed despite posing no threat.
—Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
Verb
-
Two other retired judges later published their own piece refuting Gilliard’s contention.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2026
-
Fortunately, video replay allows people to validate—or refute—a referee’s decision.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Outdoor ceiling fans are exposed to constant moisture and humidity.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
22 June 2026
-
The Callasli dropped the pointed toe, lowered the shine and exposed considerably more skin, giving her second pink heel in three days a lighter summer shape rather than making Saturday’s shoe do another round.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
Consciousness is uniquely and notoriously challenging to define, much less to conclusively affirm or disprove the presence of.—
Rob Toews,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
-
Florida has spent six years quietly disproving all of them.—
Christopher Carita,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 June 2026
Verb
-
Archaeologists also uncovered extensive drainage systems, flooring, and a hypocaust—a sophisticated Roman underfloor heating system supported by brick pillars.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
20 June 2026
-
Carro also ruled that key evidence, including a gun and a red notebook, uncovered during a subsequent search of the backpack, could be used at trial.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Instead, they are encouraged to view blue zones primarily through the lens of a sloppy critique that has already been discredited.—
Torie Bosch,
STAT,
20 June 2026
-
This doesn’t discredit the fact that mental and physical changes from menopause can be disorienting and jarring.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunk. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
