as in discusses
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
the issue's been batted around, but nothing's ever been done
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bats (around or back and forth)
Verb
-
This week on Radio Atlantic, Lewis discusses how masculinism is playing out in American politics.—
Hanna Rosin,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026 -
The following story discusses suicide.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
While Washington debates exports, China’s AI firms are smuggling in the latest generation of chips anyway, reports The Information.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
10 Dec. 2025
-
As the nation debates health care affordability in the wake of a federal government shutdown over Affordable Care Act health insurance costs and subsidies, West Health officials said the survey quantifies Americans worries and struggles to pay for health care.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
18 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Cutting rates won’t help declining labor rates if AI and immigration are the true culprits, Swonk argues.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
11 Dec. 2025
-
The newsroom meets, debates, and argues.—
Sam Jacobs,
Time,
11 Dec. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cite this Entry
“Bats (around or back and forth).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bats%20%28around%20or%20back%20and%20forth%29. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
