1
as in questionable
open to question or dispute
it's always debatable which college football team is really number one, since there's more than one ranking system
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disputable
giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged
the debatable wisdom of going back for another helping from the buffet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of debatable
The extent to which such tips could transform the mere mortals in the audience is debatable.
—
Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Grappa is enjoyed as a digestif, though its ability to aid digestion after a large meal is debatable.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Whether his work on Anderson’s woozy epic of resistance is his personal best is debatable — the competition is fierce.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2026
With almost every other sport, the difference is debatable.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debatable
Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Grappa is enjoyed as a digestif, though its ability to aid digestion after a large meal is debatable.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Whether his work on Anderson’s woozy epic of resistance is his personal best is debatable — the competition is fierce.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2026
With almost every other sport, the difference is debatable.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debatable
Adjective
-
The man’s service might be questionable, but his backhands are unparalleled.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Meanwhile, forward Andrew Wiggins, who had been listed with back tendinitis and missed Friday night’s victory in Charlotte, is listed as questionable for Sunday due to toe inflammation.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That disputable appraisal turned a few heads, and people began peppering the bot for further remarks on Musk’s physical prowess.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
20 Nov. 2025
-
That time, a very disputable foul denied him.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Pavia also notes there are arguable inconsistencies in his group’s exclusion compared to other groups who are permitted to play.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The reasons for this state of affairs were complicated and no doubt arguable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The dialogue is overladen with snicker-worthy cliches, a swelling, melodramatic soundtrack that doesn’t match the mood, dubious cameos and plastic, perfunctory life-affirming quotes.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
-
That dubious distinction now belongs to the Pacers (15-50), who have lost 10 in a row and 14 of 16.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Market concentration is not inherently problematic.—
Svetla Ben-Itzhak,
Space.com,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Their bond is forged when the children’s TV show host helps the jaded journalist navigate a difficult relationship with his problematic father.—
Suzanne Van Atten,
AJC.com,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Killing consumer rights There’s reason to be doubtful.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Edwards is doubtful for the Mustangs’ ACC tournament opener against Syracuse on Tuesday afternoon in Charlotte, a team spokesperson told The Dallas Morning News Monday.—
Lia Assimakopoulos,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Cavello said the mayor was in contact with the police commissioner and receiving information on the protest, counterprotest and the suspicious devices.—
Mark Crudele,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The Mayor has spoken with Police Commissioner Tisch, and the NYPD is actively investigating the protest, counter-protest, and suspicious devices discovered outside Gracie Mansion.—
Andrew Ramos,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debatable. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
