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 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 But many of his claims, which echo his assertions after losing the 2020 election, have been debunked by investigations, audits or court proceedings. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2026 But one hypothesis, largely debunked, is that Mycenae was invaded by Dorians from the Peloponnese peninsula. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 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
  • Vorbe, his family and lawyers vehemently refute the accusation.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Fauci’s decision to shield himself by staying silent gave Republicans free rein to attack him and his response to the COVID-19 pandemic without anyone to refute their statements.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of refute
Verb
  • In two of three studies, male mice exposed to QACs had lower sperm counts and less mobile sperm.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Acalica project went against their space traveler’s observe-and-report prime directive, so, aided by Henry Thorpe, Djen exposed Ruby and the other aliens, forcing them to leave Earth and her to create an environment-saving technology unabated.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of expose
Verb
  • Furthermore, integrated video and POS data protect employees by quickly disproving false customer claims or unwarranted liability disputes.
    — Robert Messer, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • However, that result does not disprove the Food and Drug Administration's earlier identification as Taylor Farms de Mexico as the likely source of the outbreak.
    — Annika Kim Constantino,Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 24 July 2026
Definition of disprove
Verb
  • These types of conversations help teens feel understood and strengthen trust, while uncovering more about what is really driving the desire to change up their look.
    — Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be added as investigators uncover new details, prosecutors said.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncover
Verb
  • 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
  • This is the result of a campaign to discredit RCV with misinformation by politicians threatened by it.
    — Paul Haughey, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 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 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of debunk for Spanish Speakers

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