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
As a result, these corners are areas where misinformation is more prolific—and the science that debunks that misinformation receives little mention, if at all.
—
Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
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
Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunks
Verb
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Browsh refutes the idea the NFL chose Bad Bunny as a political stunt.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
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Data consistently refutes the idea that theaters and streaming are in a zero-sum battle for different audiences.—
Joseph M. Singer,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Removing protective material too soon exposes soil to fluctuating temperatures.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Investigation exposes a decade of abuse The investigation into Joachim began after the victim, age 14, came forward after telling her sister-in-law about the abuse, the DA's office said in a news release.—
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In a political thriller with intertwining story lines, the A-lister stars as a veteran CIA agent who uncovers an assassination plot in the Middle East.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
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Perhaps Sullivan uncovers a young diamond-in-the-rough who hasn’t received much of a chance but blossoms here.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunks. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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