disputable

adjective

Definition of disputablenext
1
as in questionable
giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged a speech full of disputable generalizations about people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in debatable
open to question or dispute all disputable claims must be referred to the committee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 disputable But revenue coming in at double the projections is not disputable and cannot happen if the tax base runs away. — Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 However, disputable refereeing decisions, especially in the matches against Italy and Spain, led to allegations that South Korea may have benefited from favorable officiating. — Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026 Speech — Intimidation as censorship The First Amendment protects disputable speech, not agreeable. — Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026 That disputable appraisal turned a few heads, and people began peppering the bot for further remarks on Musk’s physical prowess. — Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2025 That time, a very disputable foul denied him. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disputable
  1. questionable
  2. debatable
  3. dubious
  4. problematic
  5. doubtful
  6. suspicious
Adjective
  • Currently at issue are three forms of gambling — two legal, one questionable.
    — Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Johnny Marr has another message for those with questionable perspectives.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of questionable
Adjective
  • That claim is debatable as the original date of construction is unknown.
    — Dan Fellner, AZCentral.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Luxury taxes are of debatable worth in sports anyway; in a division where the richest can already spend far more than the rest, imbuing them with even greater resources is antithetical to competitive balance.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of debatable
Adjective
  • Overt leaflet and loudspeaker campaigns, which the US military also used during the Gulf War and in Iraq and Afghanistan, were meant to weaken morale and instill fear (to dubious success).
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Though the current protests were sparked by the Kushner’s access to advantages from the Albanian government, the Sazan Island incident was a greater representation of Rama’s many dubious dealings.
    — Naomi Tomky, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of dubious
Adjective
  • Medical uses Buprenorphine’s principal use is in the treatment of OUD, a chronic condition characterized by problematic opioid use despite harmful consequences.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Fire Center said in its update that those conditions could be problematic for firefighters.
    — Carly Sauvageau, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of problematic
Adjective
  • Even if temperatures were to sharply drop, the recovery of most corals is doubtful.
    — Peter Prengaman, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • For much of last year, Head Start, the federal program that provides child-care and preschool services for low-income families, appeared to have a doubtful future.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of doubtful
Adjective
  • Luke Halls’ video and projections add another layer of visual unease, allowing screens and technology inside the home to become as suspicious as its shadowy corners.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • As Joan Acocella wrote for this magazine, in 2008, a suspicious number of cures happen to include alcohol as a main ingredient.
    — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of suspicious

Browse Nearby Words

disproving
disputable
disputant
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Cite this Entry

“Disputable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disputable. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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