debatable

de·bat·able | \ di-ˈbā-tə-bəl

How to pronounce debatable (audio)

, dē- \

Definition of debatable

1 : claimed by more than one country debatable border territory

2a : open to dispute : questionable the debatable wisdom of his advice

b : open to debate

3 : capable of being debated

Other Words from debatable Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about debatable

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Examples of debatable in a Sentence

it's always debatable which college football team is really number one, since there's more than one ranking system the debatable wisdom of going back for another helping from the buffet

Recent Examples on the Web After ignoring fracking early on, politicians now engage in open warfare between those who embrace this new industry for its economic benefits and those who oppose it on (often debatable) environmental grounds. — Joseph C. Sternberg, WSJ, "‘The New Map’ Review: Tapping the Untappable," 28 Sep. 2020 But an exception must be made for circumstances in which the federal government’s constitutional authority is debatable and the regulatory interests of the states are superior. — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, "Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Passes — and the Issue Isn’t Going Away," 7 Dec. 2020 Its recommendations are certainly debatable, but they are made with our (not Gov. Tim Walz’s) welfare in mind. — Star Tribune, "Readers Write: Government's COVID restrictions, Enbridge Line 3, Ramsey County sheriff," 3 Dec. 2020 But as debatable as that choice might be, the next step can be downright overwhelming for those choosing Medicare Advantage - the private insurance alternative to traditional Medicare. — Rich Exner, cleveland, "Is Medicare Advantage right for you? And how to judge the 2021 plans for Greater Cleveland, Akron - That’s Rich!," 22 Oct. 2020 But all such models of good corporate behavior are, by their nature, value laden and based on debatable assumptions. — Washington Post, "The right formula for managing a socially responsible company? There is none.," 5 Oct. 2020 Williams was whistled for a debatable pass interference penalty on fourth down in the final minute of the Rams' 35-32 loss at Buffalo last week. — Greg Beacham, Star Tribune, "Rams hold off Giants 17-9; Ramsey, Tate fight after game," 4 Oct. 2020 Not only does the addition of Aviation Gin expand Diageo’s presence in the super-premium gin market, which has surged in popularity in recent years even if the definition of super-premium still remains debatable. — Rachel King, Fortune, "Diageo’s purchase of Ryan Reynolds-backed Aviation Gin is a turning point for the flooded celebrity-branded liquor market," 17 Aug. 2020 Whether volume is necessary is debatable, with the Heat already with KZ Okpala, Chris Silva, Gabe Vincent, Kyle Alexander, and even Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson and Bam Adebayo in their development pipeline. — Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "Heat focused on No. 20 in NBA draft, but also entering Wednesday with wider perspective," 17 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'debatable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

29 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Debatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debatable. Accessed 27 Jan. 2021.

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