1
as in refuting
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 exposing
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
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Recent Examples of debunking
Conversely, the ballot initiative's proponents have pointed to studies debunking the idea that higher taxes result in the migration of significant numbers of wealthy people and businesses.
—
Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026
The authors have clearly considered most of the arguments against their natalist positions, and much of the book is devoted to debunking common objections to the call for more babies.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
In the first place—as every Thanksgiving-myth-debunking article notes—turkey doesn’t have a lot of tryptophan.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025
Now, the Los Angeles Police Department captain is debunking rumors surrounding her remains.
—Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025
The doc will also say its DNA analysis reveals a very high testing score for autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar, while debunking the notion that Hitler had Jewish ancestry.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
Scrupulous scientists and science communicators shouldn’t have to spend their efforts endlessly engaging with and debunking meritless nonsense.
—Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025
As frigid temperatures engulf large swaths of the nation, auto experts are debunking a longtime myth about driving in cold weather.
—Jalen Williams, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
Accusations of false achievements on high mountains have existed for more than a century, and in almost every case, photographs have played an instrumental role in confirming or debunking the achievement.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 30 Oct. 2025
Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 7 Jan. 2026
The authors have clearly considered most of the arguments against their natalist positions, and much of the book is devoted to debunking common objections to the call for more babies.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
In the first place—as every Thanksgiving-myth-debunking article notes—turkey doesn’t have a lot of tryptophan.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025
Now, the Los Angeles Police Department captain is debunking rumors surrounding her remains.
—Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025
The doc will also say its DNA analysis reveals a very high testing score for autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar, while debunking the notion that Hitler had Jewish ancestry.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
Scrupulous scientists and science communicators shouldn’t have to spend their efforts endlessly engaging with and debunking meritless nonsense.
—Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025
As frigid temperatures engulf large swaths of the nation, auto experts are debunking a longtime myth about driving in cold weather.
—Jalen Williams, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
Accusations of false achievements on high mountains have existed for more than a century, and in almost every case, photographs have played an instrumental role in confirming or debunking the achievement.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunking
Verb
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However, an insider close to Nicola is refuting that account.—
Gillian Telling,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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According to the Department of Industrial Relations, the violations were issued without proper internal documentation, failed to consider materials previously submitted by the company refuting the violations, and should not have been sent.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Consume vitamin C-rich foods in a timely manner, as storing them for a long time or exposing them to light can diminish their vitamin C content.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
13 Jan. 2026
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Relationships are her mirrors, exposing both her desire for balance and her struggle to maintain it.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Local journalism, formerly the institution most responsible for uncovering wrongdoing, has been gutted.—
Brandon Rottinghaus,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
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The researchers are hopeful that uncovering the processes preceding Alzheimer’s disease could one day lead to new therapies.—
Isabella Backman,
Hartford Courant,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunking. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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