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.

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 how important the delivery report is for Tesla’s stock price is debatable, since investors have focused attention on more ambitious goals.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

It’s debatable whether AI efficiencies are as responsible for layoffs and salary deflation as some executives claim.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

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

Vocabulary lists containing debatable

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