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Definitions

debatable

[dih-bey-tuh-buhl] / dɪˈbeɪ tə bəl /
ADJECTIVE
controversial
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arguable doubtful dubious moot problematic questionable uncertain
WEAK
between rock and hard place between sixes and sevens betwixt and between bone of contention borderline chancy contestable disputable iffy in dispute mootable open to question problematical the jury's out touch and go undecided unsettled up for discussion
Antonyms
STRONGEST
certain clear decided definite proven resolved settled sure unquestionable
WEAK
inarguable incontrovertible indubious questionable uncontestable undoubted

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It's debatable, to say the least, that going back to engines so loud as to be painfully intrusive and uncomfortable would be welcomed by many fans.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

While it was debatable how much flexibility “around 5%” entailed, most market participants viewed this as within 0.2-0.3 percentage points of 5%.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

And whether or not she’s willing to accept that is debatable.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

The Financial Times recently reported that Anthropic was considering a 2026 IPO, having brought on lawyers, though the company’s timeline was debatable.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025

Still debatable are the origins of writing on Easter Island, in China, and in Egypt.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.