debunk

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈbəŋk How to pronounce debunk (audio)
Definition of debunknext
1
as in to refute
to prove to be false a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends

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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 Researchers found genetic traces of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the deadliest form of malaria — effectively debunking the longstanding poisoning theory. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 Trump has long denied his loss to Biden, though his claims have been repeatedly debunked. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 22 July 2026 The ominous acts would later be debunked and deemed fake by the FBI in July. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 July 2026 Nearly all of these claims have been debunked through investigations and audits. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
  1. refute
  2. expose
  3. disprove
  4. uncover
  5. discredit
Verb
  • Vorbe, his family and lawyers vehemently refute the accusation.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Fauci’s decision to shield himself by staying silent gave Republicans free rein to attack him and his response to the COVID-19 pandemic without anyone to refute their statements.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of refute
Verb
  • Between 60% and 70% of new Ebola cases are being detected among people who were not already being monitored as contacts, meaning health workers may only discover infections after patients become sick and have had opportunities to expose others.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • This, in turn, left the defence exposed, with Sheffield United having 20 attempts on goal in Wrexham’s 2-1 fightback win at Bramall Lane in mid-March.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of expose
Verb
  • Most scientific evidence would agree, although disproving the other possibilities can be problematic.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Since the State could not disprove the justification defense beyond a reasonable doubt, the evidence resulted in the decision that no criminal charges would be filed against the fast-food employees.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of disprove
Verb
  • These types of conversations help teens feel understood and strengthen trust, while uncovering more about what is really driving the desire to change up their look.
    — Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be added as investigators uncover new details, prosecutors said.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncover
Verb
  • By contrast, the defense will point to the parts of the book that are provably false, in an attempt to discredit it, explained David Roger, the former Clark County, Nevada, district attorney.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • This is the result of a campaign to discredit RCV with misinformation by politicians threatened by it.
    — Paul Haughey, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of discredit

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debugs
debunk
debunked
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Cite this Entry

“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunk. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of debunk for Spanish Speakers

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