DEBUNKED Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

debunked

verb

past tense of debunk

as in refuted

to prove to be false a Web site that assiduously debunks urban legends

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as in exposed

to reveal the true nature of the investigative reporter easily debunked the charlatan's claims of clairvoyance

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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 debunked The ergot theory, despite being debunked within a year of being published, has continued to spread and thrive like fungus on rye. — Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026 While researchers belatedly debunked many of those claims, vaccine makers wound up on the hook for significant payouts to litigants. — Joel Dodge, STAT, 14 Oct. 2026 The Ohio facility at the center of the rumor debunked the assertion. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026 Shortly after the report was published, sources debunked it, stating that Harry and Meghan have no intention of apologizing to the royal family. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 11 Oct. 2026 Why prominent officials have often gravitated toward an economic sales pitch for the downtown stadium — one that can be debunked with evidence — is confounding. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026 While several of its claims were debunked by independent media shortly after its release, the video triggered a series of government actions in Minnesota. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 This is a very simple example, and one easily debunked by running the text through a reader that lists all the characters. — Nisha Talagala, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 By the time meteorologists debunked the temperature spike, the user had deleted their Polymarket account. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunked

Verb

But Wright, the center’s attorney, refuted this, telling The Times that two investigations were done by independent third parties.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
According to the Public Defender's Office, officers falsely claimed that Gibson had assaulted them by biting, punching, and wrapping a radio cord around an officer's neck, claims later refuted by video evidence.

— Senior Editor, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of refuted

Verb

That means most people are exposed to AI’s downsides — rising electricity costs, potential job disruption — without any claim on its upside.

— Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The White House decision has heightened fears that Ukraine could be left exposed to Moscow's escalating attacks as winter approaches.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of exposed

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debunk

debunked

debunking

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“Debunked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunked. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of debunked

verb

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