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 Social media’s doctors are suddenly anxious to debunk the gospel of looksmaxxers. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026 Another myth that was debunked is that post-holiday sales increase in January. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 July 2026 Point by point, O’Donnell debunks the arguments in A Sudden Flicker of Light, David Thomson’s new book about how cinema has harmed society. — Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 As the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy continues, into its fifth month, the FBI has reportedly debunked what was thought to be one of the case’s most promising leads. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 1 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
  • Four fisher people from Indonesia’s Pari Island filed a legal complaint in 2023 against the Swiss construction company Holcim, which refutes their assertion that its climate change-causing emissions threaten their homes and livelihoods.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • Wainger also refuted the assertion that Pennel had expected to be arrested.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Definition of refute
Verb
  • On the earnings call, CFO Kate Ferry said Burberry was less exposed to direct business impacts from conflict in the Middle East than some competitors, noting that the region comprises only 2% of its business.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • Engineers believe exposing robots to everyday activities such as cooking will accelerate their development for applications beyond manufacturing, including hospitality, retail, healthcare, and domestic assistance.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
Definition of expose
Verb
  • Leppanen recounted that a colleague told her that the pouches dissolved even though the information that disproved this was available online.
    — Matthew Chapman, STAT, 14 July 2026
  • This left open the question of whether more complex, loopy geometries would behave differently, while also leaving competing historical theories yet to be disproved.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
Definition of disprove
Verb
  • Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Your information could help uncover answers and drive future coverage.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of uncover
Verb
  • Kiryl Pazniak, 49, who hosted a popular political show on YouTube, has been convicted on the charges of discrediting Belarus and forming an extremist organization, the group said — accusations widely used by authorities to stifle critical voices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • Green said earlier this year that Adebayo shouldn’t be underestimated and his 83-point game against Washington shouldn’t be discredited.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of debunk for Spanish Speakers

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