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
Idaho lawmakers spent hours debating a surge in rodents menacing Boise-area gardens and kitchens and threatening agriculture and public health.
—
Karin Brulliard, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2026
The hoods might just as well evoke the garb of Christian monks debating whether the soul is distinct from the body.
—Dawn Chan, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
But his stature and lack of starting experience still loom large for teams debating whether to take a risk on him with such a high pick.
—Ben Kamisar, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
High-stakes negotiations between Iran and the United States continue, with both sides debating the waterway's reopening, but the only fact that matters to those waiting is that the Strait of Hormuz is still closed, and the threat of attack is likely to keep it that way.
—Desiree Adib, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
That’s a topic worth debating on another day.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
If new transmission lines are needed, that means building new infrastructure across vast distances — low cost renewable energy resources are often far from where the energy is needed — a notoriously difficult task due to permitting processes that Congress is debating how to reform.
—Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
The New York City Council is debating a law that would set time limits on young people’s social media use as concerns grow over its effects on mental health.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
On his SiriusXM show, while debating some of the greatest athletes of all time, a caller suggested NASCAR legend Richard Petty, and Smith launched into a rant.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Karin Brulliard, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2026
The hoods might just as well evoke the garb of Christian monks debating whether the soul is distinct from the body.
—Dawn Chan, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
But his stature and lack of starting experience still loom large for teams debating whether to take a risk on him with such a high pick.
—Ben Kamisar, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
High-stakes negotiations between Iran and the United States continue, with both sides debating the waterway's reopening, but the only fact that matters to those waiting is that the Strait of Hormuz is still closed, and the threat of attack is likely to keep it that way.
—Desiree Adib, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
That’s a topic worth debating on another day.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
If new transmission lines are needed, that means building new infrastructure across vast distances — low cost renewable energy resources are often far from where the energy is needed — a notoriously difficult task due to permitting processes that Congress is debating how to reform.
—Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
The New York City Council is debating a law that would set time limits on young people’s social media use as concerns grow over its effects on mental health.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
On his SiriusXM show, while debating some of the greatest athletes of all time, a caller suggested NASCAR legend Richard Petty, and Smith launched into a rant.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debating
Verb
-
The two-term governor, who is seeking a third term in November while pondering a potential 2028 White House bid, is viewed favorably by 68% of Chicagoans and unfavorably by 20%.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Gary Thuerk, of the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), was pondering how to advertise upcoming demonstrations in California of his company’s latest computers.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That includes discussing the full range of available approaches—including where options like Myfembree may fit—within the context of your own symptoms, priorities and health history.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
1 May 2026
-
Here is a look at Miami’s defensive roster after the NFL draft, discussing the potential roles of the newcomers added recently.—
Omar Kelly
May 1,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Many companies have filed lawsuits seeking refunds and companies are contemplating the impact this would have on shareholders.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
California is contemplating a one-time, 5 percent levy on the state’s billionaires—200 or so people in a population of 40 million.—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
DeSantis is arguing that Florida’s significant growth over the past few years merits a redraw of the state’s congressional boundaries.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
On homelessness, Steyer wants to expand interim housing options with services, arguing the state has focused too much on building permanent housing for the homeless that is too costly and takes too long to open.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Safety and Clinic Standards Safety is often one of the first concerns people have when considering treatment abroad.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Van Bendegem, who would become a leading scholar on ultrafinitist logic, later addressed these concerns by considering a geometry in which a line or curve has width and is both finite and finitely divisible.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Limon was studying geography, environmental science and policy, and Bristy was studying chemical engineering.—
Mike Schneider,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
Bristy was studying chemical engineering.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The aggressive political gains DeSantis and Republicans seek also have some in the party questioning whether the new map would put GOP incumbents at risk of losing future elections.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
28 Apr. 2026
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Despite the apology, Camp Mystic’s plans to reopen in late May with nearly 900 girls have angered victims’ families, and state officials are questioning whether the license should be renewed.—
Jim Vertuno,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For entertaining larger groups, pick up this six-person set that comes with a sofa, loveseat, and club chair, all complete with comfy cushions.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2026
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Additionally, some lawmakers are entertaining ridiculous tax incentives for companies.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debating. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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