DEBATED Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

debated 1 of 2

adjective

as in disputed

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debated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of debate

as in pondered

to give serious and careful thought to still debating what to do

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in discussed

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

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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 debated

Adjective

In any case, the moment quickly became one of the most debated events in rock history. — Kara Rogers Britannica Editors July 16, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 July 2026 The most debated issue this week is over AI data centers, with every candidate trying to position themselves as the most against them. — Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Now this may be my most controversial and debated stance about Pride Nights and the LGBTQ movement. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 Ahead of the 2026 Met Gala, here's a look back at the iconic event's most daring — and most debated — style moments. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026 The most controversial and debated article on Mint Press News is about the use of chemical agents in the Syrian civil war. — Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 The trade, approved under new team governor Patrick Dumont, has remained one of the most debated moves in recent NBA history, according to sports analysts, with lingering questions about communication within the organization and the long-term direction of the franchise. — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 The referendum centers on long debated reforms aimed at reshaping the structure of Italy’s judiciary. — ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026 Safety aspects of autonomous vehicles remain debated, but industry groups claim the technology could reduce road fatalities by removing human error from driving. — Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026

Verb

Much has been debated and discussed about its many metaphors and symbolism, which employed elements of a splintered universe long before the multiverse was hijacked by Hollywood superhero spectacles. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Although this evidence is preliminary and debated, the findings warrant further measurement. — Ned Cooper, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026 This year, the issue was debated in the state Legislature and has been prioritized by the California Faculty Association, which represents CSU professors, and the University of California Student Association as one that needs urgent redress. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Zillah’s speeches have since been reworked, most notably in a 2019 production in which a Kushner-y character called Xillah debated her, framing the story with an anxious meta-narrative. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026 Politicians, for example, have debated ultra-Orthodox exemptions from the draft, Netanyahu’s corruption charges, and what, if anything, the government should do about Jewish terrorism. — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026 The two candidates, who are both Jewish, on Tuesday night debated at a synagogue in Boca Raton with a heavy police and security presence. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 However, the company’s lobbying skyrocketed 75 percent during the first nine months of 2025 over 2024 levels as Congress debated whether to extend enhanced Obamacare premium subsidies. — Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 As supporters and detractors debated, Hall’s partner began replying to online comments. — Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debated

Adjective

His political history includes a disputed 2018 congressional election that was never certified after investigators uncovered an absentee-ballot fraud operation involving a political operative hired by his campaign.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Election officials can use the timing marks and barcodes printed around ballots to identify the different ballot styles and determine which ballots contain the disputed 7A question.

— Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of disputed

Verb

In his own practice, Nagy pondered heady subject matter related to the corporatization of art and transmission of ideas and images across the globe.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
The school understands that Sanders will still bring eyeballs to their program, but the question of whether this experiment should continue into 2027 is one that deserves to be pondered.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of pondered

Verb

The three-week trial included hours of video evidence and testimony from multiple witnesses and experts, including a medical examiner who discussed the injuries that killed the three firefighters.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
In 2024, there wasn’t a single election ad on broadcast TV that mentioned data centers, according to tracking from the firm AdImpact, and in most of 2025, only a handful discussed them, largely in down-ballot state races.

— Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of discussed

Adjective

This is not a sudden shift in attitude to defend a controversial CBA.

— Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Meta backlash is global Criticism goes beyond Nieman Lab’s reporting, as news groups globally urge regulators to intervene and block Meta’s controversial terms from kicking in.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of controversial

Verb

Todd has already contemplated what a sibling Grammy showdown might look like.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Approximately 18% of all Latino high school students have seriously contemplated suicide and 42% of Latino youths reported constantly feeling sad or hopeless, recent congressional studies found.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemplated

Verb

Vukovic argued that the only way Russian influence could decline is via indirect means.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
Rubio has argued that before holding new elections, Venezuela must stabilize its economy and rebuild its institutions, including its courts and electoral council.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of argued

Verb

Commonly considered one of the world’s worst invasive species, the green crab has successfully invaded every continent except Antarctica.

— Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
However, the probability of serious adverse health effects is still considered low.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of considered

Verb

Ingredients like caffeine and L-theanine have long research tails behind them, but the pouch itself as a delivery system has not been studied for the long haul.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026
Bernal was Latino by background, a native of Tucson, Arizona, who had studied history at the University of Texas, and worked his way up in Democratic politics.

— Azadeh Moaveni, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of studied

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“Debated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debated. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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