1
as in to refute
to prove to be false
a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends
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2
as in to expose
to reveal the true nature of
the investigative reporter easily debunked the charlatan's claims of clairvoyance
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Recent Examples of debunk
In 2024, our experts debunked common misconceptions, investigated buzzy trends and weighed in on tricky social etiquette on a wide range of health and lifestyle topics.
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Malaka Gharib, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024
While the Taylor-Johnson vehicle conspicuously contains no mid- or postcredits sequences teeing up future installments of Spider-Verse films and is unlikely to remain in theaters long enough to break even, Sony debunked recent reports that Kraven effectively killed off the Spider-Man Universe.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2024
None of the players’ DNA was found on or inside the accuser’s body, and ultimately, Mangum’s account was debunked, with prosecutors ultimately declaring the players innocent.
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for director of national intelligence, echoed debunked claims about Ukraine and has been accused of parroting Russian propaganda.
—Avery Lotz, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for debunk 
Malaka Gharib, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024
While the Taylor-Johnson vehicle conspicuously contains no mid- or postcredits sequences teeing up future installments of Spider-Verse films and is unlikely to remain in theaters long enough to break even, Sony debunked recent reports that Kraven effectively killed off the Spider-Man Universe.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2024
None of the players’ DNA was found on or inside the accuser’s body, and ultimately, Mangum’s account was debunked, with prosecutors ultimately declaring the players innocent.
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for director of national intelligence, echoed debunked claims about Ukraine and has been accused of parroting Russian propaganda.
—Avery Lotz, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for debunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunk
Verb
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The White House, through White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates, refuted many of the claims the Journal made, insisting that Biden would meet often with his Cabinet members and their teams.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
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Starbucks refuted the union’s account, saying in a statement that the company remains committed to reaching a final framework agreement.Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The first human case of H5N1, more commonly known as avian influenza or bird flu, has been confirmed in Los Angeles County in California, in connection with an adult who was exposed to livestock.Greg Wehner, Fox News, 24 Dec. 2024
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The other four actors in the scene playing the human members of the band are fully exposed and great at both dancing and self-mockery.Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Mural conservators are working to uncover 20 angels hidden under layers of paint for more than a century at the Boston church made famous by Paul Revere.Landon Mion, Fox News, 25 Dec. 2024
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Officers uncovered the remains of four monkeys, identified as bushmeat, concealed among other items.Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunk. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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