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
The exchanges grew increasingly heated as Pratt repeatedly attacked Raman’s homelessness proposals, prompting Raman to accuse Pratt and Bass of focusing more on attacking her than debating one another.
—
Teresa Liu, Daily News, 7 May 2026
The trial over Pitt's allegations of Jolie's breach of contract is scheduled to begin sometime in 2027, with Pitt and Jolie still debating on an exact start date.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 6 May 2026
The organizations debating frequency all agree on that.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026
But debating such topics is the lifeblood of the draft, which manufactures would-be experts for the kind of second-guessing that helps fuel rampant and often inaccurate speculation.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
While Shug’s Bagels owner and founder Justin Shugrue is originally from New York, don't waste your time debating whether or not Shug's makes New York-style bagels.
—Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
As of midday Wednesday, the state House had approved the new maps and the state Senate was still debating them.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
The House is currently debating the budget, before the Senate Ways and Means proposal is released in mid-May, and eventually the chambers send a conference report to the governor in late June or early July.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Skip Bayless built a career debating LeBron versus Jordan at nearly every stage of James' run.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Teresa Liu, Daily News, 7 May 2026
The trial over Pitt's allegations of Jolie's breach of contract is scheduled to begin sometime in 2027, with Pitt and Jolie still debating on an exact start date.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 6 May 2026
The organizations debating frequency all agree on that.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026
But debating such topics is the lifeblood of the draft, which manufactures would-be experts for the kind of second-guessing that helps fuel rampant and often inaccurate speculation.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
While Shug’s Bagels owner and founder Justin Shugrue is originally from New York, don't waste your time debating whether or not Shug's makes New York-style bagels.
—Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
As of midday Wednesday, the state House had approved the new maps and the state Senate was still debating them.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
The House is currently debating the budget, before the Senate Ways and Means proposal is released in mid-May, and eventually the chambers send a conference report to the governor in late June or early July.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Skip Bayless built a career debating LeBron versus Jordan at nearly every stage of James' run.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debating
Verb
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The sequence left us pondering our pet cats and, for good measure, our worst selves.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
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As Jeff Sanders wrote (here) on Thursday, the Padres are pondering a lot of different ways to deal with their starting pitching situation in the coming weeks.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Verb
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The open letter comes as EU Member states are discussing plans to combine funding for culture, media and civil society into a single pot.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
-
Board members had signed nondisclosure agreements barring them from discussing information related to the search, partly to protect candidates’ current employment.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Verb
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And after spending time contemplating addressing her aging skin, the time was right.—
Hedy Phillips,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
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At the heart of the film, there are two young boys who are discovering their identity and their first love, and contemplating what to do with it.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Prosecutors, meanwhile, have emphasized the importance of transparency, arguing that allowing cameras in the courtroom helps counter misinformation and ensures public trust in the proceedings.—
Adam Sabes , Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
Dong wrote articles arguing for constitutional democracy, political reform and transparency in politics — views allowed to circulate freely in the past that are now taboo in China.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
And half the conference isn't an exaggeration, considering Sankey's prior remarks.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
-
State lawmakers are considering legislation that would exempt from taxation 50% of the residential property owned by a fully disabled veteran, or 100% if their household income does not exceed $40,000.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Then again, the protagonist might be Hannes (Enzo Brumm), a former farm boy studying at the same school in 1972.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
Thorsen helped lead research for the CDC studying infant disabilities, according to prosecutors.—
Sasha Pezenik,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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At a recent town hall, that concern was raised directly, The Phoenix reported, with some alumni and community members questioning whether removing Trotter’s name constitutes revisionism.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 May 2026
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She was criticized publicly by some colleagues as well anonymous government officials who were quoted in Israeli and international media questioning her motives.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
Verb
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The Cavs won 116-109, at least entertaining the idea of getting back in this series.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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The main deck is geared toward entertaining, offering a spacious main salon, a formal dining area, and multiple other relaxation spaces with panoramic views.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debating. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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