1
as in refutes
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 exposes
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 debunks
The department also debunks a myth suggesting a furnace works harder than usual to warm spaces that have been left cooler, which would defeat the purpose of temporarily lowering the temperature to optimize savings.
—
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
However, Haug debunks it as a requirement.
—Essence, 19 Dec. 2025
Newer research, however, debunks that previous notion, showing that the tactic may be ineffective.
—Kaitlin Vogel, Health, 11 Dec. 2025
Grok itself debunks the statement regarding Kirk; Musk’s AI tool cannot find evidence of Steele melting down over people mourning the assassination.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025
Combining rigorous research and captivating narration, Kateryna Zarembo debunks common myths about the region, such as its long-standing gravitation towards Russia and its rejection of everything Ukrainian.
—Nelly Klos
september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
However, Haug debunks it as a requirement.
—Essence, 19 Dec. 2025
Newer research, however, debunks that previous notion, showing that the tactic may be ineffective.
—Kaitlin Vogel, Health, 11 Dec. 2025
Grok itself debunks the statement regarding Kirk; Musk’s AI tool cannot find evidence of Steele melting down over people mourning the assassination.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025
Combining rigorous research and captivating narration, Kateryna Zarembo debunks common myths about the region, such as its long-standing gravitation towards Russia and its rejection of everything Ukrainian.
—Nelly Klos
september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunks
Verb
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The clear video evidence starkly refutes the party line.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Jan. 2026
-
That statement alone refutes claims that IHRA is meant to silence debate.—
David Moore,
New York Daily News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The film did well, but its exclusion from the Film Editing category exposes a vulnerability.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Regional variation exposes structural differences.—
Güney Yıldız,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This approach uncovers systemic issues and shows your team that honesty won't be punished.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Emmy Rossum plays the lady in question, and Alex Karpovsky stars as the journalist who uncovers her real identity — and motives — decades later.—
Chris Snellgrove,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunks. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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