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
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
Kennedy co-founded the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense, and has linked vaccines to autism, a theory long debunked by scientific research.
—Mariam Sunny, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
His claims of widespread voter fraud — particularly involving mail voting — have been repeatedly debunked, and his administration has continued to prioritize the issue.
—Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 2 Apr. 2026
But the claim was quickly debunked as officials on the island of Saint Helena, where the tortoise lives, reported that Jonathan was still kicking.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026
Despite being debunked time and time again, a startling proportion of the public still hold onto these claims.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 1 Apr. 2026
Since the ballot seizure, local election officials in Riverside County have debunked the allegations of irregularities by saying that the citizens' group's numbers were based on raw data that could have included unsigned ballots.
—Laurie Perez, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
When Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu posted videos to rebut viral claims of his death, Grok declared the footage fake — swiftly debunked, yet already spread.
—Hollie McKay, Deadline, 29 Mar. 2026
What Actually Happened, According to Reporting CNN and Chinese state media investigated — and debunked the key claims.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Kennedy co-founded the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense, and has linked vaccines to autism, a theory long debunked by scientific research.
—Mariam Sunny, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
His claims of widespread voter fraud — particularly involving mail voting — have been repeatedly debunked, and his administration has continued to prioritize the issue.
—Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 2 Apr. 2026
But the claim was quickly debunked as officials on the island of Saint Helena, where the tortoise lives, reported that Jonathan was still kicking.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026
Despite being debunked time and time again, a startling proportion of the public still hold onto these claims.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 1 Apr. 2026
Since the ballot seizure, local election officials in Riverside County have debunked the allegations of irregularities by saying that the citizens' group's numbers were based on raw data that could have included unsigned ballots.
—Laurie Perez, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
When Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu posted videos to rebut viral claims of his death, Grok declared the footage fake — swiftly debunked, yet already spread.
—Hollie McKay, Deadline, 29 Mar. 2026
What Actually Happened, According to Reporting CNN and Chinese state media investigated — and debunked the key claims.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunked
Verb
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In February, Carney and Mooresville Police Chief Ron Campurciani refuted claims in two federal lawsuits against the town about Carney’s behavior during two late-night encounters involving police.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
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The investigation is based on debunked fraud claims, as local election officials have already refuted the allegations of discrepancies by explaining that the citizens group’s analysis relied on incomplete data.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Watching a prodigy embarrass the world over 72 holes was riveting; equally captivating is following the same person be exposed by life, hubris and ego.—
Mac Engel
April 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Grill, uncovered, until a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of chicken registers 165°F, 12 to 15 minutes, turning and basting with vinegar mixture about every 2 minutes.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
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Lindner pointed out that weak spots are easier to find than to fix, noting that Anthropic’s blog post announcing Mythos stated over 99% of the vulnerabilities the model uncovered haven’t been patched.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunked. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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