OpenSynonym

fact-check

/fækt tʃɛk/

NOUN

1. Verification of factual accuracy

The process of examining information, statements, claims, or reports to determine whether they are accurate, truthful, and supported by reliable evidence.

1.1. Journalism and news verification

Used to describe the examination of news stories, reports, and published statements to ensure that the information presented is accurate and supported by evidence.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The journalist conducted a thorough fact-check before publishing the investigation.
  • The news organization requires a fact-check of every major political statement.
  • The editorial team completed its fact-check to ensure the article contained accurate information.

Related Words

1.2. Claims and information assessment

Used when evaluating statements, claims, rumors, or information circulating in public discussions and online platforms to establish whether they are true or false.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The organization published an independent fact-check of the viral social media claim.
  • Readers can consult the fact-check to determine whether the circulating rumor is accurate.
  • The fact-check revealed that several claims in the speech were misleading.

Related Words

  • misinformation
  • disinformation
  • truth
  • reliability
  • proof
  • credibility

VERB

2. To verify factual accuracy

To examine statements, information, or claims by comparing them with reliable evidence and established information to determine whether they are true and accurate.

2.1. Editing and publishing

Used when journalists, editors, and publishers examine written content to identify factual errors, correct inaccuracies, and ensure the reliability of information before publication.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The editor asked the journalist to fact-check the article before publication.
  • The publishing team carefully fact-checked every statistic in the report.
  • Writers should fact-check their sources to avoid spreading inaccurate information.

Related Words

2.2. Investigating claims and statements

Used when investigating the accuracy of claims, public statements, rumors, or assertions by examining evidence and comparing them with trustworthy sources.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Journalists must diligently fact-check their stories to ensure accuracy.
  • The research team was assigned to fact-check political statements and public claims.
  • Before sharing information on social media, people should fact-check its accuracy.

Related Words