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.
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
Kennedy, who has repeatedly claimed that childhood vaccines cause autism—a theory debunked by scientists—has vowed to protect existing vaccination programs.
—
William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
The Associated Press has debunked similar claims from Trump and Musk, finding a misinterpretation of data in Social Security’s software systems.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2025
Countless examples can debunk these stereotypes and help foster an environment of trust and respect among employees.
—Nitin Gupta, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Obama was attempting to debunk some of the rumors about the plan — including one that claimed undocumented immigrants would receive benefits — when he was interrupted by Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debunk
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William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
The Associated Press has debunked similar claims from Trump and Musk, finding a misinterpretation of data in Social Security’s software systems.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2025
Countless examples can debunk these stereotypes and help foster an environment of trust and respect among employees.
—Nitin Gupta, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Obama was attempting to debunk some of the rumors about the plan — including one that claimed undocumented immigrants would receive benefits — when he was interrupted by Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debunk
Cite this Entry
“Debunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debunk. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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