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
Lawmakers are debating a major tax incentive package aimed at keeping the bears in Illinois.
—
Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
On a school night in 1986, Kim Reed — then a Duke senior — sat in a common room with her friends, debating when to line up for that Sunday’s Duke-UNC game.
—Storey Wertheimer, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Republicans are instead taking over the floor with their own speeches, proceeding under regular order but operating outside the normal time limits that are customary when debating legislation.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
Connecticut lawmakers are currently debating how to manage rising electricity rates, housing shortages, and tens of billions in long-term pension obligations.
—Meghan Portfolio, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026
The update comes as rodeo outfits have drawn attention online, including viral social media videos debating the appropriateness of attire worn by some attendees.
—Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
Republicans are instead taking over the floor with their own speeches, proceeding under regular order but operating outside the normal time limits that are customary when debating legislation.
—ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
To think that some Filipinos were forever debating her looks!
—Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Instead of openly debating and learning from experts or one another, students often remain on the defensive.
—Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
On a school night in 1986, Kim Reed — then a Duke senior — sat in a common room with her friends, debating when to line up for that Sunday’s Duke-UNC game.
—Storey Wertheimer, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Republicans are instead taking over the floor with their own speeches, proceeding under regular order but operating outside the normal time limits that are customary when debating legislation.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
Connecticut lawmakers are currently debating how to manage rising electricity rates, housing shortages, and tens of billions in long-term pension obligations.
—Meghan Portfolio, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026
The update comes as rodeo outfits have drawn attention online, including viral social media videos debating the appropriateness of attire worn by some attendees.
—Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
Republicans are instead taking over the floor with their own speeches, proceeding under regular order but operating outside the normal time limits that are customary when debating legislation.
—ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
To think that some Filipinos were forever debating her looks!
—Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Instead of openly debating and learning from experts or one another, students often remain on the defensive.
—Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debating
Verb
-
The many years spent pondering and preparing for a potential attack on Iran are the reason that the first days of the war were, for the most part, a bravura display of American power.—
Franklin Foer,
The Atlantic,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Anderson has been pondering it for a while.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Here is a look at Miami’s offensive roster, discussing the potential roles of the newcomers added recently.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Everybody’s discussing the formula right now, right?—
Anna Moeslein,
Glamour,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Kaplan said the sliver of land is the only available parcel in her district, and knew city staff was contemplating the location.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Throughout United Village, plans also call for a Bailey Nurseries garden greenspace, outdoor murals and additional public art, with longer-term plans contemplating an open-air pavilion that could double as an ice rink and outdoor market.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The industry and the White House have pushed back, arguing that a patchwork of rules would hurt growth.—
SEUNG MIN KIM,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Rather than contest his conviction, Olivier used a federal civil rights law to sue the city, arguing his constitutional rights had been violated.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But then, that’s of little surprise considering its owner and founder is legendary chef Raymond Blanc.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Two community colleges were considering renaming centers named for Chavez — San Diego Community College’s Cesar Chavez Campus, a small tuition-free center in Barrio Logan, and Southwestern College’s student services center.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Remembering this period, Petzold went quiet for a moment, studying the air behind me as if someone might materialize there.—
Holden Seidlitz,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
-
At the time he was detained, Contreras was a freshman at Ellis Preparatory Academy in Marble Hill, a school that caters to older newcomers who want to continue studying and go to college.—
Lisa Rozner,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
However, the government calls these efforts inadequate, questioning Novo Nordisk’s ability to monitor drug safety and oversee its call centers on a broader scale.—
Austin Fast,
USA Today,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Chief among them was the June 2020 arrest of broker Gianluigi Torzi, who was held in the Vatican barracks for 10 days of questioning without charge or a judge’s warrant, and had his cellphones and laptop seized.—
Nicole Winfield,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Known for layered interiors infused with cinematic flair, Durham Ranch is quintessential Fulk—his distinctly Western take on Americana, elevated with chic accents and designed with entertaining in mind.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Gleicher found Anja entertaining a table of cast and crew members, which included one of his patients.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debating. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
