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
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 debating
Even the assassination of political figures is not the same thing as just being shot in the throat for the crime of debating issues in the public square.
—
J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 13 Sep. 2025
If your current TikTok feed is full of Gen-Z and millennial users debating short nails verses long-almond nail shape nails, rest assured that burgundy nails work with either camp.
—Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
The assassination was caught on camera and shows Kirk sitting under a tent debating with students before a single shot rang out and struck him in the neck.
—Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 12 Sep. 2025
What To Know Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday in front of thousands of people during a debating event outside the Utah Valley University (UVU) campus in Orem with his wife in attendance.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Each of these commitments comes nestled in a bramble of thorny questions that societies have been debating for the last, let’s round it off at, 250 years.
—Big Think, 11 Sep. 2025
Emery is more articulate than many, and debating the fairness of the current system is a worthy endeavour, but even that snippet was rooted in a generous interpretation of ‘good management’.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Prompted by a question his son had about the number pi, Brooks began debating math with ChatGPT – particularly the idea that numbers do not just stay the same and can change over time.
—Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Those that delay will keep debating intent while rivals lock in contracts, expand market share and strengthen both enterprise resilience and national security.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 13 Sep. 2025
If your current TikTok feed is full of Gen-Z and millennial users debating short nails verses long-almond nail shape nails, rest assured that burgundy nails work with either camp.
—Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
The assassination was caught on camera and shows Kirk sitting under a tent debating with students before a single shot rang out and struck him in the neck.
—Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 12 Sep. 2025
What To Know Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday in front of thousands of people during a debating event outside the Utah Valley University (UVU) campus in Orem with his wife in attendance.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Each of these commitments comes nestled in a bramble of thorny questions that societies have been debating for the last, let’s round it off at, 250 years.
—Big Think, 11 Sep. 2025
Emery is more articulate than many, and debating the fairness of the current system is a worthy endeavour, but even that snippet was rooted in a generous interpretation of ‘good management’.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Prompted by a question his son had about the number pi, Brooks began debating math with ChatGPT – particularly the idea that numbers do not just stay the same and can change over time.
—Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Those that delay will keep debating intent while rivals lock in contracts, expand market share and strengthen both enterprise resilience and national security.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debating
Verb
-
The Revival Act has left some pondering what the endgame looks like for Zuffa.—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Turns out Stephano was pondering beltmaking too, leading the two to partner on a new business venture creating small-batch leather pieces and metal accessories.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The two tech firms are discussing a sizable deal to support data center development in the country which could ultimately be worth billions of dollars, a person familiar with the matter told CNBC, confirming earlier reporting from the Financial Times.—
Ryan Browne,
CNBC,
12 Sep. 2025
-
In partnership with The Hollywood Roosevelt, the series will see Murgatroyd catch up with fellow reality television stars at the iconic hotel, discussing topics such as motherhood, entrepreneurship, career journeys and their favorite reality TV obsessions.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
When the San Francisco 49ers were contemplating drafting Mac Jones in 2021, the then-Alabama quarterback might have daydreamed about running an offense that included George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
-
While vocal over the years about his aversion to sell, take on a business partner or publicly list the company, rumors about Armani contemplating forming a foundation first emerged in 2012.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Who doesn’t have childhood memories of arguing about Boardwalk and Park Place until the popcorn bowl got knocked over during an evening of wholesome family entertainment?—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Sep. 2025
-
In one video, a female student and the professor can be heard arguing over gender identity being taught in a children’s literature class.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Both Delta and Aeromexico said in separate statements that the carriers were disappointed by the department's decision and were reviewing the order before considering next steps.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Interestingly, this percentage increases to 45% when considering data from the last 3 years instead of 5.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
To create the new surface—which the FDA categorizes differently from other breast implants on the market—Motiva partnered with scientists studying nanotechnology’s role in breast implant surface design at the University of Manchester in England.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Acting was a career shift for Tillman, who was a pre-med student in college studying to be an orthopedic surgeon.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
According to the New York Times, this individual was the second person detained and later released by law enforcement authorities after questioning.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Instead, the Prime Minister’s absence has left British Jews questioning whether this government is serious about confronting the hatred consuming our country.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Around the same time, Mark Twain spent weeks at a time at the estate, soaking in the New England scenery and entertaining other houseguests with readings from Huckleberry Finn.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
16 Sep. 2025
-
With that in mind, colorful cookware makes entertaining a breeze, as these pieces can go straight from the oven or stovetop to the table.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debating. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share