1
as in refuted
to prove to be false
a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exposed
to reveal the true nature of
the investigative reporter easily debunked the charlatan's claims of clairvoyance
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Recent Examples of debunked
Her description of the deceased Alex Pretti brandishing a gun that threatened the lives of Border Patrol officers was quickly debunked, with several videos showing how he was killed despite posing no threat.
—
Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 2 June 2026
Those rumors were promptly debunked, however.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Now, the Chinese team debunked those beliefs after spotting tiny organisms living on rocky surfaces across multiple Pacific trenches.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
Iranian media debunked the images, saying Vahidi did not meet the Pakistani official, and that the picture dates back to 2024.
—Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Warnings that minimum-wage increases would unleash inflation were also debunked.
—Nick Hanauer, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
Myths debunked With gas prices soaring, drivers are trying every trick in the book to save on fuel costs.
—Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2026
The conviction turned largely on eyewitness testimony that has since been recanted and scientific evidence that has since been debunked.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
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
Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 2 June 2026
Those rumors were promptly debunked, however.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Now, the Chinese team debunked those beliefs after spotting tiny organisms living on rocky surfaces across multiple Pacific trenches.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
Iranian media debunked the images, saying Vahidi did not meet the Pakistani official, and that the picture dates back to 2024.
—Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Warnings that minimum-wage increases would unleash inflation were also debunked.
—Nick Hanauer, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
Myths debunked With gas prices soaring, drivers are trying every trick in the book to save on fuel costs.
—Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2026
The conviction turned largely on eyewitness testimony that has since been recanted and scientific evidence that has since been debunked.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunked
Verb
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Bohm’s parents have refuted those claims and the two sides are still attempting to determine where the court battle will proceed.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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However, Braun refuted those allegations.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Lab tests showed that the plants without the active inceptin receptor failed to emit this volatile blend when exposed to either the synthetic In11 peptide or actual caterpillar oral secretions.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
3 June 2026
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Lilies Lilies were the most toxic plants cats were exposed to in 2025, according to the ASPCA Poison Control, with daylilies falling closely behind.—
Amy DeYoung,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Verb
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The company successfully appealed the decision to lower its safety rating by arguing its drivers could not have prevented many of the crashes investigators uncovered.—
Willoughby Mariano,
ProPublica,
8 June 2026
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Also in the walk-in cooler, fried rice that complements many dishes sat uncovered.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunked. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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