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
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
Lawmakers have been debating a major tax incentive packaged aimed at keeping the Bears in Illinois.
—Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
In the meantime, Congress is debating whether to extend Section 702 authority, which is set to expire on April 20.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
The City Council is still debating what a potential bond package could look like.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
In California, state legislators are debating how to protect residents and natural resources without creating so much red tape that developers go elsewhere, taking their jobs and taxable earnings with them.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Democrats' efforts have been blocked by Republican leadership who have publicly argued everything should be funded at once -- despite debating a different plan behind closed doors, according to sources.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 23 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
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Congress would be debating mandatory water wings for airborne pups.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Lawmakers have been debating a major tax incentive packaged aimed at keeping the Bears in Illinois.
—Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
In the meantime, Congress is debating whether to extend Section 702 authority, which is set to expire on April 20.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
The City Council is still debating what a potential bond package could look like.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
In California, state legislators are debating how to protect residents and natural resources without creating so much red tape that developers go elsewhere, taking their jobs and taxable earnings with them.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Democrats' efforts have been blocked by Republican leadership who have publicly argued everything should be funded at once -- despite debating a different plan behind closed doors, according to sources.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 23 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debating
Verb
-
But news is expected soon on the Hall of Fame KU coach, who is pondering his future after having heart problems the past few years.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
-
As new signs of a rift emerge in Western alliances, Putin and his generals are pondering plans for the spring and summer campaign across more than the 1,200-kilometer (about 750-mile) front line.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
State officials are also discussing possible rebate checks for taxpayers to help blunt high energy costs.—
Matthew Daly,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The complaint says Heifler spent weeks discussing the plot with the undercover law enforcement official, and at one point went to scope out Kiswani's home.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
According to the judge’s order, Homeland Security is arguing that the legal basis of the deportations stems from a Biden-era agreement in which Mexico agreed to accept up to 30,000 Cubans, Nicaraguans, Haitians and Venezuelans monthly.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The manager of a nearby bodega said the victims were arguing with another teen before the shooting erupted.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 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
-
But researchers are also studying the drug’s effects on broader metabolic health, including blood sugar regulation, cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk markers.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Learning a language, studying abroad, or simply traveling to experience something entirely unfamiliar to you.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
