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.
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Recent Examples of debating
Pop culture depictions of school shootings have often stoked controversy, with many viewers debating the line between storytelling and sensitivity.
—
Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
The shows have been a talker online among fans and hip hop pundits, who are debating who will put on a better set.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Lawmakers are also debating rules and tax breaks for massive data centers.
—Nakell Williams, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
The video continues to make its rounds online, with viewers debating whether the photographer’s approach was overly theatrical, or a uniquely beautiful take on documenting a wedding.
—Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Last year, state legislators began debating strengthening protections and prohibiting the sale of non-biodegradable helium and lighter-than-air gas balloons.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
Instead of debating this issue every year and holding our schools in a state of flux, Albany should turn its attention towards working with the mayor to ensure our school system is working to its full potential.
—Dennis Walcott, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
Instead of debating calls for hours, fans get a clear answer almost instantly.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Congress would be debating mandatory water wings for airborne pups.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
The shows have been a talker online among fans and hip hop pundits, who are debating who will put on a better set.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Lawmakers are also debating rules and tax breaks for massive data centers.
—Nakell Williams, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
The video continues to make its rounds online, with viewers debating whether the photographer’s approach was overly theatrical, or a uniquely beautiful take on documenting a wedding.
—Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Last year, state legislators began debating strengthening protections and prohibiting the sale of non-biodegradable helium and lighter-than-air gas balloons.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
Instead of debating this issue every year and holding our schools in a state of flux, Albany should turn its attention towards working with the mayor to ensure our school system is working to its full potential.
—Dennis Walcott, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
Instead of debating calls for hours, fans get a clear answer almost instantly.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Congress would be debating mandatory water wings for airborne pups.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debating
Verb
-
Ganesh’s character has also spent a good amount of time this season pondering the next steps in her medical career after her plans to move back to her home state of New Jersey were disrupted.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2026
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Manager Dave Roberts is pondering whether to take measures to limit opportunities for the sequence, as the Dodgers manage Ohtani’s two-way ability over the course of a full season for the first time.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As of now, more than 40 countries brought together by the United Kingdom are discussing how to reopen the strait through diplomatic means after the war is over.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
-
On April 14, the Tamalpais Union High School District will be discussing and potentially voting on a plan that would restrict cellphone usage on campus.—
Sooji Nam,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For those who have the option, more are contemplating walking, cycling, carpooling or catching the bus or train to get some relief.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Choosing among loud, louder and loudest shirts, then contemplating whether to go with jorts or florts (don’t ask) and selecting the appropriate socks and crocs, Black finally is ready to go until Sarah Sherman shows up to spoil things.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Greenwood Village Police Department investigators said the men had been arguing while driving with two other people in the SUV when Hernandez pulled over and everyone but Hernandez got out of the vehicle to cool down.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The city sued, arguing the Angels were violating the lease, but a jury sided with the baseball team.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
No mean feat, considering the brand’s first 24 hotels are set in remote, leafy locations that feel worlds away from real life.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Here’s why, plus a look at other states considering the move.—
Kristin Scharkey,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Academics are studying the problem, and lawmakers are examining whether and how new legislation can help address the issue.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Scientists have been studying these models on Earth since 2010 and have learned valuable information about our biology, such as how the body might respond to new medications or stressors.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Pattinson is like a manic roller coaster on screen, increasingly off the rails as the weight of Emma’s reveal has Charlie questioning everything and reacting badly to the situation.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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The leaders of the Senate committee that oversees the FCC are questioning how the agency gave approval to the Nexstar–Tegna transaction, the massive broadcast station merger that already has been paused by a federal court.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As the city has become a year-round base, their clients—often finance and tech principals relocating from New York and California—expect homes to support work, family life, and entertaining without interruption.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
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An open-plan layout invites easy indoor-outdoor living and entertaining throughout the home, which boasts mountain and ocean views.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debating. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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