1
as in to refute
to prove to be false
a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debunk
While some data shows that political violence comes from the right, this former Democrat and Newsweek editor has debunked that.
—
Nicole Russell, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Sure enough, there’s a very easy way to debunk that claim.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
If this is the true face of the AI industry—a technological triumphalism that sees human thought as an inefficiency to overcome and human distinctiveness as a myth to debunk—the differences between the Church and Silicon Valley may prove irreconcilable.
—Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2026
Her daughter, Pallas, who co-manages Birchbark, says that the books lining the store’s shelves debunk the misconceptions that Native literature is stuck in the past or focused solely on hardship.
—Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Nicole Russell, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Sure enough, there’s a very easy way to debunk that claim.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
If this is the true face of the AI industry—a technological triumphalism that sees human thought as an inefficiency to overcome and human distinctiveness as a myth to debunk—the differences between the Church and Silicon Valley may prove irreconcilable.
—Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2026
Her daughter, Pallas, who co-manages Birchbark, says that the books lining the store’s shelves debunk the misconceptions that Native literature is stuck in the past or focused solely on hardship.
—Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
Verb
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King’s break with Johnson was not about refuting his historic contributions.—
Mark Conway,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2026
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The court found that Pitt, 62, failed to provide enough evidence to refute Jolie's privilege claim, but the request was dismissed without prejudice, meaning his team can challenge the motion.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Verb
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The fourth was not a cruise passenger but was exposed to an ill passenger from the ship on an aircraft in South Africa.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
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Seeing ballroom be recognized so prominently has been a source of pride, but also trepidation that the wider audiences now being exposed to ballroom may not appreciate the nuances of the culture.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The first and third items in this indictment are indisputable; the second is a complicated and qualified matter; and the last two are libels, still part of popular legend no matter how often disproved by serious biography.—
Thomas Mallon,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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The newest data fits a trend, alongside news that Chicago once again has the country’s busiest airfield and is a top tourist destination, disproving the narrative that the city is shrinking, said Erin Connelly, communication director for Mayor Brandon Johnson.—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Cadaver dogs had previously alerted to the scent of human remains in the backyard, but earlier searches did not uncover a body.—
Doug Dunbar,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
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After uncovering what the issue was following an 18-month mystery, the actress underwent multiple vocal cord surgeries and finally got an implant.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
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John paid a visit to his former lover and demanded that Percy sign an affidavit and confess to his involvement in the kidnapping, as well as discredit the allegations about John's sexuality.—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
8 May 2026
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The case later drew attention from the Innocence Project, which said advances in DNA testing ultimately discredited the prosecution’s core forensic evidence.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunk. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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