1
as in refuted
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 exposed
to reveal the true nature of
the investigative reporter easily debunked the charlatan's claims of clairvoyance
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of debunked
Myths debunked With gas prices soaring, drivers are trying every trick in the book to save on fuel costs.
—
Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2026
The conviction turned largely on eyewitness testimony that has since been recanted and scientific evidence that has since been debunked.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Many scientific studies have debunked the claim.
—Brennan Leach, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
While some data shows that political violence comes from the right, this former Democrat and Newsweek editor has debunked that.
—Nicole Russell, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
After Kennedy defended his fringe view, Senator Bill Cassidy fact-checked and debunked Kennedy’s denialist arguments in real time.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
Though repeatedly debunked, these ideas were widening the distance between citizens.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
Our reviews of court files found that statements made by the arresting officers were repeatedly debunked by video footage.
—A.c. Thompson, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2026
Swift and Kelce were rumored to be tying the knot at Rhode Island's Ocean House on June 13, though a wedding planner recently debunked the theory.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2026
The conviction turned largely on eyewitness testimony that has since been recanted and scientific evidence that has since been debunked.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Many scientific studies have debunked the claim.
—Brennan Leach, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
While some data shows that political violence comes from the right, this former Democrat and Newsweek editor has debunked that.
—Nicole Russell, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
After Kennedy defended his fringe view, Senator Bill Cassidy fact-checked and debunked Kennedy’s denialist arguments in real time.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
Though repeatedly debunked, these ideas were widening the distance between citizens.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
Our reviews of court files found that statements made by the arresting officers were repeatedly debunked by video footage.
—A.c. Thompson, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2026
Swift and Kelce were rumored to be tying the knot at Rhode Island's Ocean House on June 13, though a wedding planner recently debunked the theory.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunked
Verb
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Cuban officials have angrily refuted the pressure campaign and promised to resist any military intervention with force.—
Patrick Oppmann,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
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Cento refuted the claims made in the complaint and will seek dismissal of the lawsuit in court, a company spokesperson told The Times on Monday.—
Itzel Luna,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
Verb
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As the current hantavirus outbreak unfolded, the CDC deployed teams to evacuate and quarantine Americans who may have been exposed, health officials briefed reporters and Bhattacharya went on a Fox News program to urge Americans not to worry.—
Ali Swenson,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
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It is believed the initial infection was contracted by a passenger who may have been exposed to rodents during regional birdwatching activities prior to boarding, according to the WHO.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
Verb
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And in 2022, health investigators uncovered the likely source of 17 Legionella infections in Napa County — all of whom either lived, worked or had visited downtown Napa.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
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But Carro ruled that a subsequent search of the backpack at the police station, which uncovered a gun and a red notebook, was valid.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunked. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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