debate
noun
a discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints.
were debating
-
past progressiveof debate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Representatives from six political parties were debating education on the BBC's Sunday Show.
From BBC ● May 3, 2026
Tensions in the global oil market seemed to be easing on Tuesday just as Western governments and their allies were debating a major release of emergency oil reserves to calm prices.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 11, 2026
Credit rating firms were debating where to place the transaction within the BB to CCC range usually deemed junk bonds, according to a Bloomberg report from last month about the potential offering.
From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2025
Chris Woodcock, 75, and Sandy Furloch, 70, were debating a topic that comes up frequently these days: immigration.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 12, 2024
I wanted to shoo the dogs away, to tell them that what they were debating of eating was horrible filth and would make them sick, or, possibly, die.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
