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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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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Browsh refutes the idea the NFL chose Bad Bunny as a political stunt.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
-
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
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To translate Holocaust literature at a moment when genocide is not only a historical category but an active legal accusation exposes translators, editors, and institutions alike to pressures to contain, displace, or euphemize violence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
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The Taopiaopiao release centers on an underperforming local police unit that fabricates minor cases to pad its record, only to uncover a genuine criminal conspiracy after a burst water main exposes a gang of tomb raiders posing as repair workers.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
All that is really a testament to the fact that there are a certain number of filmmakers who are doing extraordinary new work there, but also with a language of cinema that shows a desire to express things and speak about their own environment in a way that uncovers something new.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Jan. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Debunks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunks. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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