OpenSynonym

fact-checks

/fækt tʃɛks/

NOUN

1. Verification of factual accuracy

The examination or investigation of specific information, statements, or claims to determine whether they are factually accurate, truthful, and supported by reliable evidence.

1.1. Journalism and media verification

Used to describe systematic examinations of news articles, reports, public statements, and published information to ensure their factual accuracy and maintain journalistic credibility.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The journalist conducted multiple fact-checks to verify the accuracy of the story.
  • The editorial team prioritizes regular fact-checks to maintain journalistic credibility.
  • The news organization is known for its rigorous and reliable fact-checks.

Related Words

  • journalism
  • reporting
  • editorial review
  • accuracy
  • credibility
  • evidence
  • source verification

1.2. Claims and public information assessment

Used for investigations that evaluate the truthfulness of political statements, public claims, rumors, and information circulating online by comparing them with trustworthy sources and supporting evidence.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Fact-checks revealed inconsistencies in the politician's statements.
  • Social media platforms are implementing automated tools for real-time fact-checks on shared content.
  • Independent fact-checks help readers distinguish reliable information from misleading claims.

Related Words

VERB

2. To verify factual accuracy

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

2.1. Journalism and editorial verification

Used when journalists, editors, and publishers examine articles, reports, and written materials to identify factual errors and ensure the accuracy of published content.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The journalist fact-checks every statement before publishing the article.
  • The editorial team fact-checks the information to maintain the publication's credibility.
  • The newspaper fact-checks its reports against official records and reliable sources.

Related Words

  • copyediting
  • proofreading
  • editing
  • publishing
  • correction
  • revision
  • source checking

2.2. Investigating claims and statements

Used when evaluating the truthfulness of public statements, political claims, rumors, or online information through research, evidence examination, and comparison with trustworthy sources.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The organization fact-checks political statements before publishing its findings.
  • She fact-checks viral claims before sharing them on social media.
  • The research team fact-checks information using multiple independent sources.

Related Words