1
as in questionable
open to question or dispute
it's always debatable which college football team is really number one, since there's more than one ranking system
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disputable
giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged
the debatable wisdom of going back for another helping from the buffet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debatable
Perhaps Kendall Sheffield, but that’s debatable.
—
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
Carl Anka So much about this side is debatable except in midfield and, rather perversely, up front, where even a wantaway Alexander Isak seems the best option in the medium term (if not perhaps before the window closes).
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
However, whether or not this type of use has less impact on social life or mental health is debatable.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
While the usefulness of AI features may be debatable, years of OS and software support are not, which gives Samsung the decisive edge.
—PC Magazine, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for debatable
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
Carl Anka So much about this side is debatable except in midfield and, rather perversely, up front, where even a wantaway Alexander Isak seems the best option in the medium term (if not perhaps before the window closes).
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
However, whether or not this type of use has less impact on social life or mental health is debatable.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
While the usefulness of AI features may be debatable, years of OS and software support are not, which gives Samsung the decisive edge.
—PC Magazine, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for debatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debatable
Adjective
-
Of all the questionable advice pinging around social media platforms, this one really stinks—literally.—
Ashleigh N. DeLuca,
Parents,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The Chargers said initially that Mack was questionable to return due to an elbow injury, but was downgraded to out after he was seen on the sideline with his pads off and his arm in a sling.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
That time, a very disputable foul denied him.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The reality check is that there is an arguable box office ceiling to certain pieces of IP (Batman and Spider-Man will always gross more than Superman), not to mention, the more FOMO fever surrounding a title the better, hence one of the reasons why Superman outgrossed Fantastic Four.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Starship is a considerably more complex vehicle and arguable deserves even more grace as SpaceX and its engineers iterate and undertake a dramatic and explosive trial and error process in full view of the public.—
Eric Mack,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Even the people writing software are dubious.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
This trend pushes teens to skip showers or use dubious products in hopes of attracting romantic attention.—
Ashleigh N. DeLuca,
Parents,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This readily available and inexpensive treatment could change health outcomes for a significant number of cancer survivors who have problematic gene variants.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Sep. 2025
-
France, where L’Affaire Dreyfus divided the country for years beginning in 1894, has its own problematic history.—
David Bloom,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
They were initially listed as doubtful.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Whether these demands alone will solve Nepal’s problems is doubtful.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Robinson's parents became suspicious after seeing surveillance footage published by law enforcement.—
Joshua Rhett Miller
Jesus Mesa
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Mutch gained his freedom in 2016, avoiding legal trouble until last May, when a cybertip about suspicious downloads led Solano County Sheriff’s investigators to his home, according to court records.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debatable. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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