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
The theories are unfounded and have been repeatedly debunked.
—
Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Certainly, the association with Jeffrey Epstein is not especially helpful for debunking something nefarious.
—Mike Rothschild, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Since the ballot seizure, local election officials in Riverside County have debunked the allegations of irregularities by saying that the citizens' group's numbers were based on raw data that could have included unsigned ballots.
—Laurie Perez, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Similar accusations popped up across the country, leaving school superintendents, including the one in Michigan, to debunk them.
—Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Certainly, the association with Jeffrey Epstein is not especially helpful for debunking something nefarious.
—Mike Rothschild, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Since the ballot seizure, local election officials in Riverside County have debunked the allegations of irregularities by saying that the citizens' group's numbers were based on raw data that could have included unsigned ballots.
—Laurie Perez, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Similar accusations popped up across the country, leaving school superintendents, including the one in Michigan, to debunk them.
—Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
Verb
-
Jones, who lived in San Francisco for years before moving to Napa, refuted the insinuation of carpetbagging.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Saatchi, at least, welcomes pushback — and at times doesn’t even refute it.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The breach exposed personal data such as addresses and social security numbers for more than 60 million students and teachers nationwide.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Florida is particularly exposed.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Trump’s bogus claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him has been disproved time and again — in court, recounts, research and investigative reporting.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
However, Nick's attorneys countered that these findings didn't necessarily disprove his version of the events.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Swanson also uncovered a photograph of Banks with an effigy of a Black man hanging by a noose in the background at Mansfield High School.—
Marissa Armas,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Ham pastelitos on a food-prep table were left uncovered and unattended as people delivering food products passed the table.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Dublin congressman told KRON that the White House hopes to discredit him in the race as a frequent critic and to boost the chances of his Republican rivals.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
29 Mar. 2026
-
That is certainly one way to discredit someone.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunk. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
