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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debatable
How much this will enhance the comet’s brightness is debatable.
—
Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Van Dijk’s goal against Arsenal was one, with Ibrahima Konate’s header against Wolverhampton Wanderers the other — although even that second one is debatable, given 30 seconds elapsed between Andy Robertson’s corner and the centre-back heading home.
—Andy Jones, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
The responsibility for Scope 3 emissions is debatable.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The third example of potential self-harm is highly debatable as a safety violation.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for debatable 
Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Van Dijk’s goal against Arsenal was one, with Ibrahima Konate’s header against Wolverhampton Wanderers the other — although even that second one is debatable, given 30 seconds elapsed between Andy Robertson’s corner and the centre-back heading home.
—Andy Jones, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
The responsibility for Scope 3 emissions is debatable.
—Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The third example of potential self-harm is highly debatable as a safety violation.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for debatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debatable
Adjective
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People are still perplexed and saddened by the questionable move on the Mavericks' side, especially their majority owner, Mark Cuban.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
9 Feb. 2025
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To what extent Trump is actually willing to take action to expand U.S. borders is questionable.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Vaccine backers are dubious that Cassidy will have much influence over Kennedy if he is confirmed as secretary of Health and Human Services.—
Karen Kaplan,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2025
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Previously, the 2008 Sayre Fire in Sylmar that destroyed 604 structures held that dubious distinction.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But the rest of the league didn’t need the arguable title favorites to find that help.—
Fred Katz,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
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While Musk repeated his gesture only twice, there is an arguable similarity, regardless of Musk's intention.—
John Yoo and John Shu,
Newsweek,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Experts warn that deep spending cuts could prove problematic, given that about two-thirds of government spending is directed toward Social Security, Medicare, national defense and Medicaid.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2025
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The post, which features an image of the problematic homework question, has been upvoted more than 27,000 times on the platform.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Wide receiver Skyy Moore is the only doubtful player the team has.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
8 Feb. 2025
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Suggs, who is doubtful with a left quad contusion, is averaging 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Did Belle Gibson visit that very suspicious doctor?—
Erin Jensen,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
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The victim must be at least 65 years old, may be in danger due to health or suspicious reasons and the investigating agency has exhausted all its resources.—
Sacramento Bee,
Sacramento Bee,
7 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Debatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debatable. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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