1
as in refuting
to prove to be false
a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends
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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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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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Anne Hathaway is refuting online speculation over whether she's had a facelift.—
Sharareh Drury,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
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King’s break with Johnson was not about refuting his historic contributions.—
Mark Conway,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Her photographs and articles exposing the violence of the conflict set her apart from conventional war reporting.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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But Nassar was also wary of exposing the gap between the state’s authority and its actual power.—
Euan Ward,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Video released Tuesday shows Texas state troopers uncovering a human‑smuggling operation after a routine traffic stop on IH‑35 in Webb County led to the discovery of 20 migrants – including four minors – hidden inside a truck tractor's sleeping compartment.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
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From personal hygiene and car maintenance to uncovering the best music gems and mastering the art of waking up early, Arielle and Ned explore it all.—
Frank Racioppi,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunking. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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