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
Much has been debated and discussed about its many metaphors and symbolism, which employed elements of a splintered universe long before the multiverse was hijacked by Hollywood superhero spectacles. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Although this evidence is preliminary and debated, the findings warrant further measurement. — Ned Cooper, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026 This year, the issue was debated in the state Legislature and has been prioritized by the California Faculty Association, which represents CSU professors, and the University of California Student Association as one that needs urgent redress. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Zillah’s speeches have since been reworked, most notably in a 2019 production in which a Kushner-y character called Xillah debated her, framing the story with an anxious meta-narrative. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026 Politicians, for example, have debated ultra-Orthodox exemptions from the draft, Netanyahu’s corruption charges, and what, if anything, the government should do about Jewish terrorism. — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026 The two candidates, who are both Jewish, on Tuesday night debated at a synagogue in Boca Raton with a heavy police and security presence. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 However, the company’s lobbying skyrocketed 75 percent during the first nine months of 2025 over 2024 levels as Congress debated whether to extend enhanced Obamacare premium subsidies. — Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 As supporters and detractors debated, Hall’s partner began replying to online comments. — Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debated
Adjective
  • However, South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul has said the location of last month's mine blasts was not in a disputed area.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • His political history includes a disputed 2018 congressional election that was never certified after investigators uncovered an absentee-ballot fraud operation involving a political operative hired by his campaign.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In his own practice, Nagy pondered heady subject matter related to the corporatization of art and transmission of ideas and images across the globe.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The school understands that Sanders will still bring eyeballs to their program, but the question of whether this experiment should continue into 2027 is one that deserves to be pondered.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • What remains unclear is how investigators determined the contribution of climate change to the mold found in the particular schools discussed.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Price alerts, discussed in the FTC’s shopping guide, can automate the wait.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But Lamont says the consumers are actually paying less this year than last year due to the complicated nuances of the controversial public benefits charges.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The agency has become controversial over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that precipitated a government shutdown earlier this year.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • As contemplated, the city would initially sell one acre to the developers for the first phase of the project when the plans receive final approval.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The sponsor also assumes the risk that contemplated add-ons will not close.
    — Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Vukovic argued that the only way Russian influence could decline is via indirect means.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Rubio has argued that before holding new elections, Venezuela must stabilize its economy and rebuild its institutions, including its courts and electoral council.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Newsom is widely considered to be planning a presidential bid in 2028.
    — Andrew Graham October 27, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The first three often are considered the science prizes, and since their start in 1901, scientists in the United States have won 44% of those.
    — Mattanjah de Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Emer’s research team studied more than 89,000 people in Milwaukee who were tested for lead exposure by age 6.
    — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Since landing on Mars back in 2021, Perseverance has observed, sampled and studied a wide variety of rocks, boulder fields, Martian slopes and more.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Debated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debated. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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