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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Example Sentences

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 Since then, other sources have debunked Meghan’s claims and alleged that she’s made an enemy of The Gentlemen creator Guy Ritchie. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 19 Oct. 2026 Many had been examined ad nauseam, including by those at the reception, and roundly debunked. — Andy Mannix, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debunked

Verb

Ramaswamy has also refuted allegations his fortune came from misleading investors.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of refuted

Verb

Door opening from kitchen to dish area does not have finished opening and the concrete blocks that were cut for the wall opening are exposed.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
The result exposed vulnerabilities in Lula’s reelection bid, from frustration over the cost of living and crime to difficulties mobilizing parts of his traditional base.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of exposed

Verb

By sampling a boulder’s upper surface and counting the beryllium, researchers could learn how long it has been uncovered.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Oct. 2026
Organizers sought to distance themselves from potential unrest, urging participants to keep their faces uncovered and hands visible.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncovered

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Style

“Debunked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debunked. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of debunked

verb

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