debate
noun
a discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints.
have debated
-
present perfectof debate.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Ever since, lawyers for industrial interests and environmental groups have debated exactly how watery some swamp or creek must be to qualify for protection.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
Legal scholars have debated whether surrogates should pay legal damages if they fail to honor a contractual abortion provision, surrender payments remaining on the contract, or even pay back money they already received.
From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026
Investors have debated whether AI demand is strong enough to change the traditionally cyclical nature of the tech hardware business.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
For thousands of years, philosophers, linguists, and cognitive scientists have debated whether language is essential for thought.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 11, 2026
And since Las Casas historians, clerics, and political activists have debated whether Europeans and their descendants in the Americas are morally culpable for the enormous Indian losses.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
