debunks
Shoots down claims
Debunks is the third-person singular of debunk, meaning to expose something as false, exaggerated, or unfounded.
The word typically targets myths, misconceptions, or fraudulent claims: The study debunks the idea that we only use ten percent of our brains.
Debunking implies not just disagreement but demonstration—showing why something doesn't hold up.
Proves something false
- invalidatesMakes no longer binding
- discreditsHarms another's standing
- contradictsDenies or opposes directly
- falsifiesAlters to deceive
negates · overturns · counters · rebuts · quashes · repudiates · annuls · disproves
Reveals hidden identity
Traditional untrue narratives
- misconceptionsIncorrect assumptions held true
- hoaxesIntentional public deceptions
- pseudoscienceBogus methodology posing as factual
- superstitionsUnfounded beliefs about luck
fallacies · misinformation · quackery · disinformation · propaganda · rumors · fabrications · charlatans
Seeking answers through inquiry
- doubtsFeelings of uncertainty
- challengesDifficulties requiring effort
- critiquesEvaluative analyses of work
- skepticalInclined to question claims
incredulous · suspicious · wary · doubtful · disbelieving · unconvinced · critical · probing
Confirming accuracy of claims
- researchSystematic fact-finding effort
- verificationProving something accurate
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- analysisMethodical study of parts
investigation · scrutiny · inquiry · cross-examination · forensic · methodology · replication · documentation
refutes
Proves something false
- invalidatesMakes no longer binding
- discreditsHarms another's standing
- contradictsDenies or opposes directly
falsifies · negates · overturns · counters · rebuts · quashes · repudiates · annuls · disproves · demolishes
unmasks
Reveals hidden identity
myths
Traditional untrue narratives
- misconceptionsIncorrect assumptions held true
- hoaxesIntentional public deceptions
- pseudoscienceBogus methodology posing as factual
superstitions · fallacies · misinformation · quackery · disinformation · propaganda · rumors · fabrications · charlatans · frauds
questioning
Seeking answers through inquiry
- doubtsFeelings of uncertainty
- challengesDifficulties requiring effort
- critiquesEvaluative analyses of work
skeptical · incredulous · suspicious · wary · doubtful · disbelieving · unconvinced · critical · probing · interrogating
fact-checking
Confirming accuracy of claims
- researchSystematic fact-finding effort
- verificationProving something accurate
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
analysis · investigation · scrutiny · inquiry · cross-examination · forensic · methodology · replication · documentation · corroboration
debunksconfirms
Establishes as fact
validates · verifies · authenticates · substantiates · corroborates
debunkspropagates
Transmits or spreads outward
perpetuates · promotes · spreads · disseminates · peddles