debunking

present participle of debunk

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of debunking As Europe prepares for its first mainland total solar eclipse since 1999, experts are debunking persistent myths. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Researchers found genetic traces of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the deadliest form of malaria — effectively debunking the longstanding poisoning theory. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunking
Verb
  • Many d This week, the department issued a follow-up statement refuting both of those claims.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • The distant thud of shelling punctuates the evening, refuting one guest’s optimism that the latest ceasefire agreement will endure.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • The arrest comes just months after Robinson was accused of exposing himself to a woman running on the Willow Trail in Folsom in April.
    Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As fans of the trio’s former Bravo reality show know, the video of the FaceTime call at the center of the lawsuit was credited with exposing Sandoval and Leviss’ affair, leading to sky-high ratings for the show.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Even Steve Harvey Couldn't Beat the Bureaucracy Harvey claims the platform's greatest strength lies in uncovering benefits people would otherwise overlook.
    Victor Dey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This rich, yet often underknown history—quite literally buried beneath New York’s surface—is what Alan Michelson has spent the last 40 years uncovering.
    Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 30 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Debunking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunking. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on debunking

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster