1
as in consideration
a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something
after much debate, I decided to get the chocolate ice cream
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in controversy
variance of opinion on a matter
there was a great deal of debate over the need for cutting costs by eliminating some programs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
there was no debate over the expenditures before the vote
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to ponder
to give serious and careful thought to
still debating what to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to discuss
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
we debated the advantages versus the disadvantages of the proposed waterfront development
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debate
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2025
The New River bridge and tunnel debate goes on while for some reason, there’s no debate about commuter rail and the costs that Broward taxpayers — most of whom will never use this system — will have to bear.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
City officials avoided giving a straightforward answer to the first question as council members debated privately how to go about filling the job.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
While the mission aims to celebrate female pioneers in space exploration, Munn's comments have sparked a broader debate about the ethics and value of high-profile space tourism amid growing environmental concerns and economic inequality.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2025
The New River bridge and tunnel debate goes on while for some reason, there’s no debate about commuter rail and the costs that Broward taxpayers — most of whom will never use this system — will have to bear.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
The President’s sweeping tariffs are raising prices, and small businesses are debating whether to be transparent about it.
—Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
City officials avoided giving a straightforward answer to the first question as council members debated privately how to go about filling the job.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
In an event where wind is not a consideration, Cathedral Catholic’s Jocelyn Gibson edged Patrick Henry’s Miriam Aguirre in the girls 1,600 at UC.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2025
-
However, there are several considerations to keep in mind when amending soil.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The controversy stems from fears that ByteDance could be compelled by Chinese law to share U.S. user data or manipulate content for propaganda purposes.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Plus, there’s no shortage of controversy in modern politics—use this recipe as a starting point for your own cheeky and timely dessert.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Johnson said Wednesday’s discussions involved not only House lawmakers, but Republicans in the Senate, as well.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
-
But while most discussions focused on the negative aspects of AI – stealing the vocals, notes and likenesses of public figures without permission – Travis represents a productive use of the technology.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Sarah Wells ponders how her 13-year-old business, selling breast-pump backpacks and other items for new moms, will run under President Trump's new tariffs on all imports.—
Alina Selyukh,
NPR,
7 Apr. 2025
-
And ponder why the tee shot on the par-3 12th creates such a riddle.—
Bob Spear,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
It is not believed to be on the agenda at its quarterly meetings in Zimbabwe from April 11-13, but likely to be discussed, perhaps informally.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The Vultures artist also spent a good amount of time discussing bosses using their power to take advantage of employees.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Ahead of Monday's hearing, the Justice Department warned Oyer that discussing internal deliberations—particularly regarding pardons and gun rights—could violate executive privilege, which shields certain presidential communications from disclosure.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
-
But after a more than hour-long closed session on Thursday, the council agreed privately to open the job to all who might want to apply, two sources with knowledge of those deliberations said on the condition that their names not be used in discussing those private talks.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Approach with caution, look at reviews, and maybe don’t use your main credit card (or at least keep your bank’s dispute line handy).—
Francesca Krempa,
StyleCaster,
10 Apr. 2025
-
An Amazon spokesperson declined to comment on the cancellations, but the company has noted in its annual report that international trade disputes, including tariffs, pose a risk to its business.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
City said the decision came following a consultation meeting with fan engagement group City Matters, and related to general-admission season tickets and Premier League match-by-match tickets.—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Your piercer will give you a quick consultation to discuss options, possible concerns, and the best jewelry to suit your navel, then direct you to get comfortable on the piercing table.—
Marianne Mychaskiw,
Allure,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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