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.

Whether seeing a film like this in a theater will do any more than remind audiences how little things have changed is debatable.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

The environmentalist arguments against dredging are at best debatable, if not easily refuted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

And he wanted to show that the state Supreme Court’s ruling that Pitchford’s lawyer had waived relief was not merely debatable but unreasonable even by the AEDPA’s demanding standards.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

As for the specific incident in question, it is debatable whether the safety car in Japan changed the outcome of the race.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Just why Mr. Frodo was selling his beautiful hole was even more debatable than the price.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Vocabulary lists containing debatable

Amal Unbound

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Kwame Crashes the Underworld

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Cope Field

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