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
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
Amarnath argued that the data has now turned so hawkish that the committee should be debating hikes, not cuts.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 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
Board members spent four hours debating the second version of Superintendent Howard Hepburn’s organization chart.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
The organizations debating frequency all agree on that.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
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
Amarnath argued that the data has now turned so hawkish that the committee should be debating hikes, not cuts.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 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
Board members spent four hours debating the second version of Superintendent Howard Hepburn’s organization chart.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
The organizations debating frequency all agree on that.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debating
Verb
-
The two-term governor, who is seeking a third term in November while pondering a potential 2028 White House bid, is viewed favorably by 68% of Chicagoans and unfavorably by 20%.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Gary Thuerk, of the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), was pondering how to advertise upcoming demonstrations in California of his company’s latest computers.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That includes discussing the full range of available approaches—including where options like Myfembree may fit—within the context of your own symptoms, priorities and health history.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
1 May 2026
-
Here is a look at Miami’s defensive roster after the NFL draft, discussing the potential roles of the newcomers added recently.—
Omar Kelly
May 1,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Many companies have filed lawsuits seeking refunds and companies are contemplating the impact this would have on shareholders.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
California is contemplating a one-time, 5 percent levy on the state’s billionaires—200 or so people in a population of 40 million.—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
DeSantis is arguing that Florida’s significant growth over the past few years merits a redraw of the state’s congressional boundaries.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
On homelessness, Steyer wants to expand interim housing options with services, arguing the state has focused too much on building permanent housing for the homeless that is too costly and takes too long to open.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Safety and Clinic Standards Safety is often one of the first concerns people have when considering treatment abroad.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Van Bendegem, who would become a leading scholar on ultrafinitist logic, later addressed these concerns by considering a geometry in which a line or curve has width and is both finite and finitely divisible.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Limon was studying geography, environmental science and policy, and Bristy was studying chemical engineering.—
Mike Schneider,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
Bristy was studying chemical engineering.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The aggressive political gains DeSantis and Republicans seek also have some in the party questioning whether the new map would put GOP incumbents at risk of losing future elections.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
28 Apr. 2026
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Despite the apology, Camp Mystic’s plans to reopen in late May with nearly 900 girls have angered victims’ families, and state officials are questioning whether the license should be renewed.—
Jim Vertuno,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For entertaining larger groups, pick up this six-person set that comes with a sofa, loveseat, and club chair, all complete with comfy cushions.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2026
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Additionally, some lawmakers are entertaining ridiculous tax incentives for companies.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debating. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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