1
as in pondered
to give serious and careful thought to
still debating what to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discussed
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
we debated the advantages versus the disadvantages of the proposed waterfront development
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in disputed
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of debated
IndyStar, 8 Sep. 2025
This secular trend is welcome, but its causes remain debated.
—Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
In recent years, critics and supporters have vigorously debated its response to post-pandemic inflation … Independence isn’t a permanent entitlement; it must be earned and maintained through transparency, accountability and performance.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025
The report comes after analysts — and some Fed officials — for months have debated whether the central bank has waited too long to cut rates, risking a slowdown.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Being the mother of seven was useful, however, when the court debated in January whether there were workable alternatives to age verification requirements for pornographic websites.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
One of the key issues being debated is an increase in player compensation.
—Jessica Golden, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
Rush and Kohnen debated some of the key concerns of the letter on a call.
—Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Last week, council members debated a comprehensive plan to begin charging drivers to park in Balboa Park.
—Sam Schulz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
However, after the police murder of Floyd, some states and cities debated how and when citizens should be able to capture video of police.
—Jeff Martin, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
Seclusion and restraint The use of restraint and seclusion practices to address disabled students’ behavioral issues has increasingly become a debated issue among education specialists.
—IndyStar, 8 Sep. 2025
This secular trend is welcome, but its causes remain debated.
—Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
While some debated whether the English-language pop single was actually a K-pop song, Lisa’s comeback single and tour with BLACKPINK this year brought her back into the Korean-pop industry at least for 2025.
—Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
In recent years, critics and supporters have vigorously debated its response to post-pandemic inflation … Independence isn’t a permanent entitlement; it must be earned and maintained through transparency, accountability and performance.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025
The report comes after analysts — and some Fed officials — for months have debated whether the central bank has waited too long to cut rates, risking a slowdown.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Being the mother of seven was useful, however, when the court debated in January whether there were workable alternatives to age verification requirements for pornographic websites.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
One of the key issues being debated is an increase in player compensation.
—Jessica Golden, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
Rush and Kohnen debated some of the key concerns of the letter on a call.
—Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Last week, council members debated a comprehensive plan to begin charging drivers to park in Balboa Park.
—Sam Schulz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
However, after the police murder of Floyd, some states and cities debated how and when citizens should be able to capture video of police.
—Jeff Martin, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debated
Verb
-
In her conversation with Interview, Peters pondered whether the next Great American Novelist could be trans.—
Grace Byron,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
-
National media and pundits pondered why a team would sell off Alan Pulido a year after signing him to a large extension and not commit to William Agada as the starter, as the two had somewhat similar chance and shot-creation numbers in 2024.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The gathering, billed as a briefing rather than a fullblown hearing, included a slate of experts in science, defense and technology who discussed with members of Congress how understanding the unexplained phenomena could lead to scientific breakthroughs and enhance national security.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The controversy, which concerns an endorsement deal Kawhi Leonard signed with Clippers’ sponsor Aspiration, has been discussed extensively.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Conducting compensation negotiations with a team is only one of relevant services contemplated by the SPAC.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The United States seriously contemplated striking North Korea’s Yongbyon reactor in 1993, even drawing up military plans to attack the site with penetrating munitions delivered by stealth bombers.—
VIPIN NARANG,
Foreign Affairs,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Bayrou had argued that young people in France are being burdened with years of debt to accommodate boomers.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The county argued the action didn't violate First Amendment rights because the books were still available to all library users — a point Lesko, Brophy McGee and Stewart stressed for Maricopa County's action.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
As a public institution, UVU upholds First Amendment rights and fosters an environment where ideas – popular or controversial – can be exchanged freely, energetically, and civilly.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Despite her controversial inclusion at the event, Melnikova’s performances were met with robust cheers from the Parisian crowd.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As a junior at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and vice chair of the Utah Federation of College Republicans, Beesley considered Kirk a hero.—
Rick Jervis,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The century-old competition, held every four years, is considered as prestigious as a Michelin star—and many award-winning chefs have earned both.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Approaches being studied or already in limited use include pills and liquids, topical creams, sprays or dressings and intravenous injections.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Such ingredients included cannabis extract and synthetic psychedelics whose effects and safety have not been formally documented or studied.—
Allison Parshall,
Scientific American,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As the probe unfolded, Kelly Dever was one of several low-rent Canton losers who couldn’t keep their stories straight when questioned by the feds.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
-
That person was questioned and later released, and so was another taken into custody later that day.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debated. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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