1
as in pondering
to give serious and careful thought to
still debating what to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discussing
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debating
Opposite a serene Rooney Mara and a raging Claire Foy, Buckley is a lone dissenting voice in Sarah Polley’s heart-wrenching portrait of a group of women and girls in an isolated Mennonite colony who are debating how to respond to a series of brutal attacks from the men in their community.
—
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2026
Many Americans are debating whether the shooting was justified after videos taken by bystanders and cellphone footage from the officer were released, leading to protests around the country.
—Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
If debating between presenting facts versus making a more emotional appeal, read your room.
—Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
The Senate is likely to vote to proceed to a resolution on Monday and spend the rest of the week debating it.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2026
The union is a student debating society at the University of Oxford in England.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
But as a standoff with Realmuto has lingered, the Phillies began debating different paths.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Exoplanet research is expected to be a major focus, with sessions organized by NASA's Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group examining the latest discoveries and debating priorities for future missions.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026
In this Club Check-in, CNBC's Paulina Likos and Zev Fima break down big tech's massive artificial intelligence spending spree — debating whether these billion-dollar bets will drive long-term cost savings or weigh on near-term returns.
—Paulina Likos,zev Fima, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2025
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2026
Many Americans are debating whether the shooting was justified after videos taken by bystanders and cellphone footage from the officer were released, leading to protests around the country.
—Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
If debating between presenting facts versus making a more emotional appeal, read your room.
—Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
The Senate is likely to vote to proceed to a resolution on Monday and spend the rest of the week debating it.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2026
The union is a student debating society at the University of Oxford in England.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
But as a standoff with Realmuto has lingered, the Phillies began debating different paths.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Exoplanet research is expected to be a major focus, with sessions organized by NASA's Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group examining the latest discoveries and debating priorities for future missions.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026
In this Club Check-in, CNBC's Paulina Likos and Zev Fima break down big tech's massive artificial intelligence spending spree — debating whether these billion-dollar bets will drive long-term cost savings or weigh on near-term returns.
—Paulina Likos,zev Fima, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debating
Verb
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And for those pondering their futures, going out with a win sure beats the alternative.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
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Just pondering the logistics of building and running La Selva was as incredible to me as the nature that surrounded us.—
Noah Lederman,
Robb Report,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The audio, obtained by TMZ, includes Moore's wife Kelli discussing Moore's condition with police operators after Moore was fired from his position in December.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
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Hunt was just as optimistic as his coach when discussing the prospects of playing his first game since September, too.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Still, at least some are already contemplating a return to their homeland.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Jan. 2026
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After months of rumors about the downtown location, in January the company confirmed plans to shut down its stores in DOCO and the Sunrise Mall — the struggling retail center in Citrus Heights where city officials are contemplating eminent domain.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Trump has openly lobbied for the Nobel Peace Prize, arguing that his actions have helped resolve multiple international conflicts, claims that have drawn public backing from several world leaders.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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Prosecutors deny Bondi has conflict of interest Federal prosecutors slammed the defense's claims as meritless and misleading, arguing there is no conflict of interest with the attorney general because there is no present or future financial gain.—
Christina Fan,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In considering whether to allow the sales, China is trying to balance AI development with its push for chip self-sufficiency.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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In other business, the council began considering a request to annex a 47-acre parcel east of Bauer Farms, south of County Road 700 North and west of 625 West.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That research laid the foundation for studying blood-loss control.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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The concept was introduced in 2014 at UC Davis when a group of graduate students led by Ernst Oehninger was studying ways to prevent food waste.—
Bay Area News Group,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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He was held for questioning for two days, but released without charges in connection to her death.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Roughly 20 parents spoke to the school board Thursday night questioning what would happen if Blanton closed.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Excess Throw Blankets Winter entertaining often includes bringing out additional throw blankets for guests and family to create a welcoming and cozy feel.—
Kristin Hohenadel,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
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The estate’s 16,500-square-foot mansion was built in 2012 with a laundry list of amenities for entertaining large groups.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debating. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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