1
as in to refute
to prove to be false
a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to expose
to reveal the true nature of
the investigative reporter easily debunked the charlatan's claims of clairvoyance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 debunk
Daniel Radcliffe just can't escape the superhero movie rumor mill.
DC Studios boss James Gunn debunked rumors that the Harry Potter alum is in consideration to play Clayface in the upcoming DC movie of the same name.
—
Jessica Wang, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
The claim has been repeatedly debunked in scientific studies, but RFK Jr. refused to disavow it during his Senate confirmation hearings.
—Randi Richardson, NBC News, 21 Feb. 2025
The new bill follows Trump and Musk's claims that millions of dead people are fraudulently receiving Social Security, which has been debunked.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Check Your Fact and Lead Stories also debunked the claim.
—Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Jessica Wang, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
The claim has been repeatedly debunked in scientific studies, but RFK Jr. refused to disavow it during his Senate confirmation hearings.
—Randi Richardson, NBC News, 21 Feb. 2025
The new bill follows Trump and Musk's claims that millions of dead people are fraudulently receiving Social Security, which has been debunked.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Check Your Fact and Lead Stories also debunked the claim.
—Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
Verb
-
However, according to The Washington Post, current and former USAID officials refuted Musk’s claims.—
Jennifer Lotito,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
-
If the opening set introduced any doubts, though, the rest of the show refuted them.—
Abby Webster,
Billboard,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The big picture: The Darién Gap is a 60-mile, roadless, treacherous jungle of crocodiles, snakes, harsh terrain and drug gangs that human rights groups say exposes migrants to harm and disease.—
Russell Contreras,
Axios,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Listen to this article Over 700,000 current and former Chicago Public School students’ information was exposed following a data breach last month.—
Ikram Mohamed,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Issues with citations and publisher control The CJR researchers also uncovered evidence suggesting some AI tools ignored Robot Exclusion Protocol settings, which publishers use to prevent unauthorized access.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
13 Mar. 2025
-
By implementing agentic workflows, Puri suggests that customers can focus on high-value activities by reducing repetitive tasks, accelerate decision-making in real time or experiment with solutions to uncover patterns to drive innovation.—
Adrian Bridgwater,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunk. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share