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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of debunked
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
Many scientific studies have debunked the claim.
—Brennan Leach, NBC news, 30 Apr. 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
After Kennedy defended his fringe view, Senator Bill Cassidy fact-checked and debunked Kennedy’s denialist arguments in real time.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
Though repeatedly debunked, these ideas were widening the distance between citizens.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
Our reviews of court files found that statements made by the arresting officers were repeatedly debunked by video footage.
—A.c. Thompson, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2026
Swift and Kelce were rumored to be tying the knot at Rhode Island's Ocean House on June 13, though a wedding planner recently debunked the theory.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
Fox debunked the reports and offered a number of apt reactions to learning about one’s own death.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Many scientific studies have debunked the claim.
—Brennan Leach, NBC news, 30 Apr. 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
After Kennedy defended his fringe view, Senator Bill Cassidy fact-checked and debunked Kennedy’s denialist arguments in real time.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
Though repeatedly debunked, these ideas were widening the distance between citizens.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
Our reviews of court files found that statements made by the arresting officers were repeatedly debunked by video footage.
—A.c. Thompson, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2026
Swift and Kelce were rumored to be tying the knot at Rhode Island's Ocean House on June 13, though a wedding planner recently debunked the theory.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
Fox debunked the reports and offered a number of apt reactions to learning about one’s own death.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunked
Verb
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However, when the deadline passed on May 1, the administration refuted the need, with Hegseth citing the clock stopping with the ceasefire.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
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Cento refuted the claims made in the complaint and will seek dismissal of the lawsuit in court, a company spokesperson told The Times on Monday.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
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As the current hantavirus outbreak unfolded, the CDC deployed teams to evacuate and quarantine Americans who may have been exposed, health officials briefed reporters and Bhattacharya went on a Fox News program to urge Americans not to worry.—
Ali Swenson,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
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It is believed the initial infection was contracted by a passenger who may have been exposed to rodents during regional birdwatching activities prior to boarding, according to the WHO.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
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Also uncovered were architectural structures like a public bathhouse, decorative mosaics from a Roman villa, and high-tech water systems.—
Leigh Anne Miller,
ARTnews.com,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunked. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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