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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 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 Vaccines took center stage at the federal autism advisory committee meeting Thursday, as committee members explicitly pointed to vaccines as a potential cause of autism, even though the link has been routinely debunked. — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Aug. 2026 The tweet above was eventually slapped with a Community Note debunking the claims. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 27 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
  • The Mad King, however, refutes the legitimacy of any kind of prophecy, even going so far to reject the notion of destiny.
    — Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Speaking with the Courant, Moscowitz refutes that there was ever a formal meeting involving him or his investigators and Isa Abdus-Sabur.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of refute
Verb
  • The city has argued that unrestricted access could expose privileged or sensitive information, while Cumming has said the restrictions undermine her office’s independence and ability to investigate city government.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Related Stories The centerpiece confrontation behind The Betrayers comes between Baruch Kotler, the politician played by Michael Aronov, who betrays his wife and daughter when his affair with his mistress, Leora, played by Kaelen Ohm, is exposed.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of expose
Verb
  • An assumption disproved, an option eliminated or a risk identified may represent meaningful progress.
    — Mustafa Shreet, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Legal experts said the slow pace reflects a cautious approach by Graf, the large volume of evidence and a desire by prosecutors to disprove conspiracy theories around the case.
    — Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of disprove
Verb
  • The excavation uncovered altar foundations and a step, lending new weight to a local legend that the ruins were once a church.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • On one of the most damaging, KU blitzed a cornerback and a busted coverage left Donovan Olugbode uncovered along the left sideline.
    — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of uncover
Verb
  • The issue here is not with this project, which is building something artistic and beautiful, but with a broader, pro-AI tech culture that has discredited AI and its public image.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026
  • At the same time, the war on terror fueled an alarming rise in xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment and discredited the country’s political and foreign policy elites.
    — Daniel Benjamin, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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