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
However, a fact-check by the Cover 3 College Football Podcast debunked this, noting that Texas Tech's recruitment focus was on another quarterback, D.J. Gillen, until Gillen's de-commitment led the program to Mahomes—a month after Tuberville had already departed for Cincinnati.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
But just before this morning’s vote, President Donald Trump continued to push the claim that vaccines are linked to autism, even though numerous studies have debunked it.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
Taking seriously and engaging in dialogue over these root causes, rather than simply debunking anti-vaccine beliefs by themselves, is increasingly necessary.
—Helen L. Murphey / Made By History, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
PolitiFact and Lead Stories also debunked the claim.
—Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for debunk 
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
But just before this morning’s vote, President Donald Trump continued to push the claim that vaccines are linked to autism, even though numerous studies have debunked it.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
Taking seriously and engaging in dialogue over these root causes, rather than simply debunking anti-vaccine beliefs by themselves, is increasingly necessary.
—Helen L. Murphey / Made By History, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
PolitiFact and Lead Stories also debunked the claim.
—Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
Verb
-
The podcast host also refuted the book's assertion that Harris' team sent a staffer to scout his Austin studio.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
-
These claims, which the USCCB refuted in a statement, lead to confusion among the faithful and undermine this critical, core ministry.—
William McCarthy,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
People who are exposed to HIV have only 72 hours—less than the amount of time many clinics have now been closed—to begin a medication regimen called post-exposure prophylaxis that can help prevent infection.—
Hana Kiros,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2025
-
But food is exposed to more plastic during processing, Dr. Tyler says.—
Carolyn L. Todd,
SELF,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Instead, the trade press has attacked Gascón for social media posts uncovered by a renegade freelancer, Sarah Hagi, who identifies as a black Muslim and who is Canadian but writes hit-pieces for U.S. media.—
Armond White,
National Review,
5 Feb. 2025
-
Headlines began to surface after freelance culture writer Sarah Hagi uncovered the tweets on January 30, the same day PGA Awards voting closed; Emilia Pérez is nominated for Best Feature at that event.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near debunk
Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunk. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share