debunked
Shown to be untrue
Debunked describes something that has been exposed as false or exaggerated.
A debunked myth or debunked theory has been shown to lack evidence or validity: The claim that vaccines cause autism has been thoroughly debunked.
The word often appears in discussions of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and pseudoscience.
Proved an argument false
- falsifiedMade deliberately inaccurate
- invalidatedMade no longer binding
- discreditedProven unworthy of trust
- contradictedOpposed a statement
overturned · rebutted · unsubstantiated · unfounded · erroneous · inaccurate · incorrect · mistaken
Erroneous belief or understanding
- superstitionBaseless belief in omens
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- pseudoscienceBogus methodology posing as factual
- misinformationFalse data spread unintentionally
legend · fable · fantasy · fiction · quackery · hoax · falsehood · untruth
refuted
Proved an argument false
- falsifiedMade deliberately inaccurate
- invalidatedMade no longer binding
- discreditedProven unworthy of trust
contradicted · overturned · rebutted · unsubstantiated · unfounded · erroneous · inaccurate · incorrect · mistaken · implausible
misconception
Erroneous belief or understanding
- superstitionBaseless belief in omens
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- pseudoscienceBogus methodology posing as factual
misinformation · legend · fable · fantasy · fiction · quackery · hoax · falsehood · untruth · fabrication
unmasked
Had covering removed
outed · fraudulent · sham · bogus · spurious · counterfeit · charlatan · impostor · con · scam
debunkedconfirmed
Established as accurate
verified · proven · validated · authenticated · substantiated
debunkedsupported
Gave aid or backing
upheld · defended · endorsed · promoted · championed
debunkedvindicated
Cleared of accusation
rehabilitated · legitimized · accepted · embraced · credited