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

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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 record amount of equity in the sale debunks the notion that NFL rules might put a lid on how much a franchise could fetch. — Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026 The doc debunks his claim that people will be able to live on the red planet in a self-sustaining city in 20 years. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026 Ironically, a similar claim was also made concerning Knight and Shakur; however, Davis’ admissions and conviction ultimately debunk that theory. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Sep. 2026 There are also unfounded theories about its consequences, which Doricko has spent time on social media trying to debunk. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
  1. refute
  2. expose
  3. disprove
  4. uncover
  5. discredit
Verb
  • According to the Public Defender's Office, officers falsely claimed that Gibson had assaulted them by biting, punching, and wrapping a radio cord around an officer's neck, claims later refuted by video evidence.
    — Senior Editor, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • While refuting any suggestion of police repression, Lecornu condemned violence on the margins of protests, which were mostly peaceful Tuesday, despite the dramatic scenes that dominated coverage.
    — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of refute
Verb
  • One thing that the company promotes are summits on different teams, so you can get exposed to different areas of the business, which is a great opportunity to upskill yourself and then share your learnings and knowledge with other people.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The breach has prompted a global investigation, with experts warning that information about agents and their families could expose them to extortion, swatting and other harassment.
    — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of expose
Verb
  • His injuries acquire a spiritual significance that a scan can neither confirm nor disprove.
    — Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Prosecution focused on affair, alleged intruder The prosecution focused its case on Flynn’s secret affair and disproving his claim that an intruder broke into their home.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of disprove
Verb
  • Gowanus is hardly the only postindustrial New York neighborhood rife with toxic waste — in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, the extent of toxic contamination is still being uncovered and mitigated in an ad hoc fashion.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Since then, the 16-foot-by-32-foot church has been reconstructed, after archaeologists in 2021 uncovered the church’s original foundation, as well as 62 graves linked to the congregation.
    — Nancy Jiang, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of uncover
Verb
  • Watching left-wing media try to discredit Caitlin Clark and her dedicated fan base has been a tale as old as her rookie season.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The arrival of Dutch elm disease not only ravaged these green spaces, but discredited the whole goal of aiming for such uniformity.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 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 11 Oct. 2026.

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