debated 1 of 2

debated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of debate

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 debated
Adjective
In any case, the moment quickly became one of the most debated events in rock history. Kara Rogers Britannica Editors July 16, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 July 2026 The most debated issue this week is over AI data centers, with every candidate trying to position themselves as the most against them. Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Now this may be my most controversial and debated stance about Pride Nights and the LGBTQ movement. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 Ahead of the 2026 Met Gala, here's a look back at the iconic event's most daring — and most debated — style moments. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026 The most controversial and debated article on Mint Press News is about the use of chemical agents in the Syrian civil war. Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 The trade, approved under new team governor Patrick Dumont, has remained one of the most debated moves in recent NBA history, according to sports analysts, with lingering questions about communication within the organization and the long-term direction of the franchise. Sergio Candido, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 The referendum centers on long debated reforms aimed at reshaping the structure of Italy’s judiciary. ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026 Safety aspects of autonomous vehicles remain debated, but industry groups claim the technology could reduce road fatalities by removing human error from driving. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
The project has been debated by county commissioners for years. Reed Williams, AJC.com, 21 July 2026 Whether and how to use America’s military support as leverage to restrain the Israeli operation was debated for months inside the White House. David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 And those are probably the issues that will be debated by a wider audience on social media in the coming days. John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026 But that doesn’t mean the form of payment can’t also be debated. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026 Historians and Egyptologists have debated the significance of these artifacts for decades. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 July 2026 The board debated the issue at two meetings this week, but board members still had questions, leading to delay the issue indefinitely. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2026 The question of how to diagnose and treat men with those issues has long been debated by researchers. Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 16 July 2026 The thorny issue of AI will of course be debated with Adriana Ramírez of Megatrax leading the discussion. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 13 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debated
Adjective
  • The British military maritime operations center said a tanker was attacked Tuesday in the disputed area.
    Jane Arraf, NPR, 22 July 2026
  • For years, Washington refused to recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president after his disputed 2018 reelection and instead recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country’s interim president.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • McElwee has often pondered the downside of essentially treating himself like a human camera, observing the world rather than fully engaging in it.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
  • Not bad considering national media hasn’t pondered them all season besides suggesting another player be traded away.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Representatives of players who Villa have discussed before say the club are constantly fluid with targets, with Emery frequently changing his mind.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • In a wide-ranging interview with The Louis Theroux Podcast, the director-actress discussed the Tesla CEO, misogyny, and how her films examine relationships and intimacy.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Any deal to give Saudi Arabia nuclear technology could prove controversial, both domestically and within the wider Middle East region.
    Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Brady’s most recent interactions with the controversial wrestler, 31, have sparked debate online about the former quarterback’s career trajectory.
    Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Same exposure, two doors, and many agreements in force today never contemplated either one.
    Sanjay Srivastava, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Hebrew has been contemplated with some envy by campaigners in other societies.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • In a letter obtained by TMZ, Hostin argued her son mistakenly entered the property while jogging after spotting what appeared to be a gravel incline suitable for hill training.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • Backstage, Danhausen, Hendry and the Judgment Day argued over the money with Adam Pearce trying to keep the peace.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • The Heat are considered finalists for James, along with the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and others.
    Devon Henderson, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Whether Infantino will be considered for the role remains to be seen.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Nationally, 61% of the 160 metro areas Pew studied were classified as somewhat or very unaffordable for young buyers in 2024 — up from just 41% in 2019.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • The university’s shark lab, which has studied shark behavior and ecology for 60 years, will probably survive.
    Kori McNair, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Debated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debated. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on debated

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster