1
as in refuting
to prove to be false
a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exposing
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 debunking
How the conspiracy ecosystem jumped on hantavirus Epidemiologist Katrine Wallace has built a large social media audience by debunking medical misinformation in real time.
—
Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 11 May 2026
Once someone has formed an opinion, debunking their belief can backfire, driving them to commit even more strongly to their mistake.
—Robert B. Talisse, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026
This is one of the most critical details in debunking the claim.
—Ryan Brennan
april 1, Sacbee.com, 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 1990s, neuroscientists have accumulated evidence debunking this idea.
—Alicia Garceau, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
Consensus Drives Stability I’m debunking the belief that stability comes from consensus.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 Mar. 2026
After stirring the pot on social media, Lisa Rinna is debunking the rumor that Colton Underwood stormed out of The Traitors reunion.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026
State officials later visited many of the facilities, debunking Shirley’s claims.
—St. John Barned-Smith, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026
Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 11 May 2026
Once someone has formed an opinion, debunking their belief can backfire, driving them to commit even more strongly to their mistake.
—Robert B. Talisse, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026
This is one of the most critical details in debunking the claim.
—Ryan Brennan
april 1, Sacbee.com, 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 1990s, neuroscientists have accumulated evidence debunking this idea.
—Alicia Garceau, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
Consensus Drives Stability I’m debunking the belief that stability comes from consensus.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 Mar. 2026
After stirring the pot on social media, Lisa Rinna is debunking the rumor that Colton Underwood stormed out of The Traitors reunion.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026
State officials later visited many of the facilities, debunking Shirley’s claims.
—St. John Barned-Smith, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunking
Verb
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Anne Hathaway is refuting online speculation over whether she's had a facelift.—
Sharareh Drury,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
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King’s break with Johnson was not about refuting his historic contributions.—
Mark Conway,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2026
Verb
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In 1994, games were scheduled in the mid-afternoon to suit European TV broadcasts, exposing fans to peak-sun temperatures across nine cities.—
John Samuels,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
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Studies in the 1960s and 1970s looked at how the spread of radio and television may have been exposing people to ideals about small families.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Spielberg’s latest foray into alien matters stars Josh O’Connor as a rogue military security expert uncovering intel about the government’s suppression of alien interactions with Earth.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
8 June 2026
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Clean up your yard, making sure to use gloves, boots, and long sleeves before uncovering any areas where pests might be hidden.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debunking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunking. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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