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
At a conference in 1969, when other physicists were debating the very existence of gravitational waves, Weber presented evidence supporting their direct detection.
—
Big Think, 7 Nov. 2025
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
National voices are loudly debating whether Swinney’s methods and staff moves — including staff turnover and schematic questions on both sides of the ball — have left the program predictable and behind the curve.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
When Fort Baker, built in 1915, was decommissioned in the late 1980s, the land was handed over to the National Park Service, which spent years debating how to repurpose it — at one point even floating plans for a large convention complex.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
Now here’s Auburn, debating whether to retain sunken coach Hugh Freeze for a fourth season.
—Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2025
Wisconsin lawmakers are debating how to fund and reopen two housing facilities for homeless veterans that closed in September.
—Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 30 Oct. 2025
There’s no debating the impact Steve Albini left on music.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2025
The Oxford Union debating society announced Tuesday the ouster of President-elect George Abaraonye after reported comments celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 22 Oct. 2025
Big Think, 7 Nov. 2025
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
National voices are loudly debating whether Swinney’s methods and staff moves — including staff turnover and schematic questions on both sides of the ball — have left the program predictable and behind the curve.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
When Fort Baker, built in 1915, was decommissioned in the late 1980s, the land was handed over to the National Park Service, which spent years debating how to repurpose it — at one point even floating plans for a large convention complex.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
Now here’s Auburn, debating whether to retain sunken coach Hugh Freeze for a fourth season.
—Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2025
Wisconsin lawmakers are debating how to fund and reopen two housing facilities for homeless veterans that closed in September.
—Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 30 Oct. 2025
There’s no debating the impact Steve Albini left on music.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2025
The Oxford Union debating society announced Tuesday the ouster of President-elect George Abaraonye after reported comments celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 22 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debating
Verb
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In this bleak economic environment, professionals who have lost their jobs as a result of AI are likely pondering what their next career move should be; whether to transition into a new industry or profession, or how to beef up their arsenal of skills.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
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All the activity on his street Sunday left Smith pondering whether anyone’s safe these days.—
Robb Murray,
Twin Cities,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Rich Little Brokegirls founder Kimberly Bizu sat down with creator and corporate strategist Jodie Taylor, discussing what women of color navigating corporate spaces and creative careers need to know.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
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To uncover others, tribal governments and Indigenous influencers are actively discussing the potential benefits of AI in their communities — as well as the potential risks.—
Matt Alderton,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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I'mPhaedra Trethan, back after a couple of college visits with my teenager, and contemplating this story over my coffee.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
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Why did Tara spend hundreds of days contemplating Thomas, hair styles, loneliness?—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Wolff sued then, arguing that her claims were the latest of several attempts by the Trumps to bury reporting about their history with the disgraced financier.—
Graph Massara,
semafor.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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Several pension funds have come out against the package, arguing that the board of directors is too beholden to Musk, his behavior too reckless lately and the riches offered too much.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Most teams could use a hitter like Schwarber in the lineup, especially considering how valuable slugging has become in the modern era.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Magistrate Judge Reagan Jameson, who handed down the sentence, noted that the defense and prosecution teams felt the plea deal was the best conclusion to come to, considering the jury could not come to a unanimous decision.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
How Palestinian students adapted to studying in a genocide.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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Mice are often used as models for studying neurological disorders, cancers, and vaccines because of their genetic similarity to humans.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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He was extradited to Pennsylvania for questioning and when he was compelled to testify before a grand jury, Schrader invoked his Fifth Amendment right when asked about Carol Ann Dougherty's murder.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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As America gathers to watch his trial, Jax must contend with an ambitious new colleague, Bill Sterling (Sikora), and co-workers questioning her worth.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Talks continue with Ellison, who is looking to buy the whole company, although WBD is also entertaining offers for parts.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
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Elsewhere, the main living area, featuring one of over four fireplaces throughout the hilltop retreat, provides the perfect setting for entertaining.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debating. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.
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