as in disputed
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1
as in pondered
to give serious and careful thought to
still debating what to do
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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
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Recent Examples of debated
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
As the influencer responded, followers shared their own experiences, challenged each other’s opinions and debated alternatives, surfacing objections that the brand’s own social and big-name campaigns had missed.
—Cory Hodkinson, Forbes.com, 20 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
Actor Jeff Daniels ran out of jelly one day, reached for barbecue sauce instead, and accidentally created one of the most debated sandwiches on the internet.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026
That balance of a decades-old history and a new brand’s need to establish itself in its own right shapes the leadership challenge facing Strazik, who joined GE in 2000 when it was still led by Jack Welch, one of the defining — and most debated — business leaders of the 20th century.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026
Board members debated the organization chart two weeks ago and had initially planned to hold a non-voting workshop on Monday, with a final vote next week.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
While other states have debated — and, in Maryland’s case, passed — limitations on price surveillance, Colorado’s bill would be the strongest in the country, said Lee Hepner, a senior legal counsel for the American Economic Liberties Project.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 7 May 2026
Any sustained military action must be debated and authorized by Congress with full transparency and accountability to the American people.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The budget document that lawmakers debated and approved Wednesday evening states only that the funding would go towards certain infrastructure improvement projects.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
Democrat Xavier Becerra faced a barrage of attacks from rivals for the second night in a row Wednesday as seven candidates debated ahead of California’s June 2 primary.
—The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Virdell offered amendments as lawmakers debated the bill, but they were defeated.
—Jack Fink, CBS News, 5 May 2026
The family debated which direction the teenager would go in his career.
—Quanta Magazine, 4 May 2026
Adjective
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
As the influencer responded, followers shared their own experiences, challenged each other’s opinions and debated alternatives, surfacing objections that the brand’s own social and big-name campaigns had missed.
—Cory Hodkinson, Forbes.com, 20 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
Actor Jeff Daniels ran out of jelly one day, reached for barbecue sauce instead, and accidentally created one of the most debated sandwiches on the internet.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026
That balance of a decades-old history and a new brand’s need to establish itself in its own right shapes the leadership challenge facing Strazik, who joined GE in 2000 when it was still led by Jack Welch, one of the defining — and most debated — business leaders of the 20th century.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
Strait to Hell, a high-octane, flag-waving, boots-on-the-ground simulator where freedom isn’t debated, it’s deployed.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026
Board members debated the organization chart two weeks ago and had initially planned to hold a non-voting workshop on Monday, with a final vote next week.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
While other states have debated — and, in Maryland’s case, passed — limitations on price surveillance, Colorado’s bill would be the strongest in the country, said Lee Hepner, a senior legal counsel for the American Economic Liberties Project.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 7 May 2026
Any sustained military action must be debated and authorized by Congress with full transparency and accountability to the American people.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The budget document that lawmakers debated and approved Wednesday evening states only that the funding would go towards certain infrastructure improvement projects.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
Democrat Xavier Becerra faced a barrage of attacks from rivals for the second night in a row Wednesday as seven candidates debated ahead of California’s June 2 primary.
—The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
Virdell offered amendments as lawmakers debated the bill, but they were defeated.
—Jack Fink, CBS News, 5 May 2026
The family debated which direction the teenager would go in his career.
—Quanta Magazine, 4 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debated
Adjective
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The Louisville Counter-Claim Here’s where the story gets genuinely interesting for anyone who loves a disputed first.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2026
-
There was violence after the disputed 2025 reelection of 92-year-old Cameroonian President Paul Biya, who first came to power in 1982.—
Mathew Schmalz,
The Conversation,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In January, after its release, Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo pondered legal action against Netflix about the city’s negative portrayal.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
11 May 2026
-
Jim Cramer pondered whether to sell some Corning shares after the stock’s 130% year-to-date run.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The leaders discussed trade on Thursday, with Xi saying that China’s door of opportunity will open wider.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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In fact, the engagement party provides Testaments with the opportunity to introduce several characters who are often discussed but rarely seen.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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The pitch is for the old Applied Composites site, on which a controversial development project called the Lexington Club received city approval more than a decade ago, but didn’t ultimately come about, according to the city.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
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Other roasters had also poked fun at Hart for taking part in the controversial fest.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Imagine, for a moment, if former Vice President Kamala Harris had jumped into the governor’s race, as contemplated.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
-
Hot Ones host Sean Evans was featured on the Most Powerful People in Media list and contemplated who his next dream guest would be.—
John Ross,
Vanity Fair,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Albares argued that none of this ought to threaten Spain’s many bonds to the United States.—
Ishaan Tharoor,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
-
While the election result will not change the composition of Britain's parliament or its government, some lawmakers have argued the outcome was a protest from the electorate against Starmer's policy mix.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Verb
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There’s also a small but well-kept gym and a nearby pool, rounding out amenities that feel thoughtfully considered to fit the hotel’s smaller footprint.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
The section is considered one of the most difficult and trickiest to climb.—
Pasang Rinzee Sherpa,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The temporary rainwater ponds studied by Araújo’s team are critical breeding and development sites for multiple frog species.—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
12 May 2026
-
These supplements have been studied for mental health conditions, though not often in combination.—
Megan Nunn,
Verywell Health,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debated. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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