1
as in refuting
to prove to be false
a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exposing
to reveal the true nature of
the investigative reporter easily debunked the charlatan's claims of clairvoyance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debunking
How the conspiracy ecosystem jumped on hantavirus Epidemiologist Katrine Wallace has built a large social media audience by debunking medical misinformation in real time.
—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
11 May 2026
Once someone has formed an opinion, debunking their belief can backfire, driving them to commit even more strongly to their mistake.
—
Robert B. Talisse,
The Conversation,
10 Apr. 2026
This is one of the most critical details in debunking the claim.
—
Ryan Brennan
april 1,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Certainly, the association with Jeffrey Epstein is not especially helpful for debunking something nefarious.
—
Mike Rothschild,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
Since the 1990s, neuroscientists have accumulated evidence debunking this idea.
—
Alicia Garceau,
NPR,
6 Mar. 2026
Consensus Drives Stability I’m debunking the belief that stability comes from consensus.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
5 Mar. 2026
After stirring the pot on social media, Lisa Rinna is debunking the rumor that Colton Underwood stormed out of The Traitors reunion.
—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026
State officials later visited many of the facilities, debunking Shirley’s claims.
—
St. John Barned-Smith,
San Francisco Chronicle,
11 Feb. 2026
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
11 May 2026
Once someone has formed an opinion, debunking their belief can backfire, driving them to commit even more strongly to their mistake.
—
Robert B. Talisse,
The Conversation,
10 Apr. 2026
This is one of the most critical details in debunking the claim.
—
Ryan Brennan
april 1,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Certainly, the association with Jeffrey Epstein is not especially helpful for debunking something nefarious.
—
Mike Rothschild,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
Since the 1990s, neuroscientists have accumulated evidence debunking this idea.
—
Alicia Garceau,
NPR,
6 Mar. 2026
Consensus Drives Stability I’m debunking the belief that stability comes from consensus.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
5 Mar. 2026
After stirring the pot on social media, Lisa Rinna is debunking the rumor that Colton Underwood stormed out of The Traitors reunion.
—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026
State officials later visited many of the facilities, debunking Shirley’s claims.
—
St. John Barned-Smith,
San Francisco Chronicle,
11 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunking
Verb
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The Whitney Houston estate is refuting Oprah Winfrey recalling that the late singer was high and fell off the stage during an appearance on her talk show.
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Two other retired judges later published their own piece refuting Gilliard’s contention.
Verb
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Inflation's rising costs, from gas to groceries, disproportionately burden Black men, exposing deep economic vulnerabilities.
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Venus in Virgo, however, will clash with Mars in Gemini on July 29, exposing tension between what sounds exciting and what actually makes sense.
Verb
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While scientists are still uncovering the full extent of these connections, growing evidence suggests that the skeleton is integrated with the rest of the body rather than functioning as an isolated structure.
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Already, internet sleuths are uncovering the exact items worn by the characters, and there’s a fan base quickly building for the beauty looks as well.
Cite this Entry
“Debunking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunking. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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