debunk
verb
de·bunk
(ˌ)dē-ˈbəŋk 
debunked; debunking; debunks
: to expose the sham (see sham entry 1 sense 2) or falseness of
debunk a legend
debunker
noun
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To debunk something is to take the bunk out of it—that bunk being “nonsense.” (Bunk is short for the synonymous bunkum, which has political origins.) Debunk has been in use since at least the 1920s, and it contrasts with synonyms like disprove and rebut by suggesting that something is not merely untrue but is also a sham—a trick meant to deceive. One can simply disprove a myth, but if it is debunked, the implication is that the myth was a grossly exaggerated or foolish claim.
Synonyms
Examples of debunk in a Sentence
The article debunks the notion that life exists on Mars.
The results of the study debunk his theory.
Recent Examples on the Web
Trump later announced deals had been made with both countries to delay the tariffs by 30 days as the nations made efforts to better secure their borders with the U.S.
USA TODAY previously debunked a false claim that several grocery store chains announced price decreases after Trump’s election win.
—
Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
An online video claiming The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. government’s main overseas aid agency, paid some Hollywood stars to visit Ukraine has been debunked by the BBC.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
Lyttleton’s task involved debunking three passages in the book of Acts, a book recounting the earliest history of Christ’s followers.
—Dan Miller, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Although the theory picked up steam, it was thought to be debunked when the 2024 Super Bowl logo was unveiled, and the colors purple and red were used.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025
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Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
An online video claiming The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. government’s main overseas aid agency, paid some Hollywood stars to visit Ukraine has been debunked by the BBC.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
Lyttleton’s task involved debunking three passages in the book of Acts, a book recounting the earliest history of Christ’s followers.
—Dan Miller, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Although the theory picked up steam, it was thought to be debunked when the 2024 Super Bowl logo was unveiled, and the colors purple and red were used.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for debunk
Dictionary Entries Near debunk
Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debunk. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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