1
as in refuted
to prove to be false
a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Even when a hoax is debunked, the damage lingers.
—
Philip Jankowski, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
As tension builds ahead of the nostalgic sci-fi show's series finale, Randy Havens — who plays Scott Clarke, the informative science teacher the rest of the cast relies on for random facts — debunked online rumors that there's a secret, extended cut of the show's fifth and final season.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
But many of the details that drew attention to Genovese’s story have been debunked.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025
Carnival ambassador and cruise blogger John Heald debunked the rumor in a recent Facebook post.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025
But now, Shayla Love writes, new research has all but debunked the influential idea.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025
Many of their claims have been debunked.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
PWInsider has debunked the rumors, reporting that WWE was aware of TNA's new broadcast deal in advance and was not blindsided by it.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
However, this theory was later debunked when Edgar Patino, a married man who had impregnated Touma, was found to be her murderer, according to authorities.
—Mason Leath, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2025
Philip Jankowski, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026
As tension builds ahead of the nostalgic sci-fi show's series finale, Randy Havens — who plays Scott Clarke, the informative science teacher the rest of the cast relies on for random facts — debunked online rumors that there's a secret, extended cut of the show's fifth and final season.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
But many of the details that drew attention to Genovese’s story have been debunked.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Dec. 2025
Carnival ambassador and cruise blogger John Heald debunked the rumor in a recent Facebook post.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025
But now, Shayla Love writes, new research has all but debunked the influential idea.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025
Many of their claims have been debunked.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
PWInsider has debunked the rumors, reporting that WWE was aware of TNA's new broadcast deal in advance and was not blindsided by it.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
However, this theory was later debunked when Edgar Patino, a married man who had impregnated Touma, was found to be her murderer, according to authorities.
—Mason Leath, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunked
Verb
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Trump administration claims that Good attacked or tried to run over ICE agents before the shooting have been refuted by the videos captured during the incident.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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The New York Civil Liberties Union refuted Noem’s statements about sanctuary city laws.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Leaving broken branches and stems in place potentially makes branch damage worse, allows bark to tear further, and leaves plants more exposed to diseases and winter winds.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
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In the case of avocados, and many other fruits, polyphenol oxidase changes the chemical structure of phenols when they're exposed to oxygen.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And first of all, correct the record on my own behalf, but also let the media know that there were these journalistic crimes that were committed, that were never uncovered, because New York Magazine, at the end of the day, didn’t want to get to the bottom of it.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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Prosecutors have uncovered widespread fraud in various social-services programs, including a housing program for seniors, one that provides services to children with autism and the Federal Child Nutrition Program.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunked. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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