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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of debate
Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
But exactly how, when and where humans expanded has long been a source of debate.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
Amy Chang Chien, New York Times, 22 May 2025
The changes hit on several outstanding policy demands that Republicans had been debating in meetings for days.
—Riley Beggin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
The proposition that reporters unintentionally missed the full story of Biden’s decline is much more credible, and has been advanced not only by Thompson and Tapper but by numerous journalistic bigwigs, both now and in the immediate aftermath of the debate.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
But exactly how, when and where humans expanded has long been a source of debate.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
Verb
Taiwan legislators are set to debate the bigger increase in military spending in the next session of the legislature, which is dominated by lawmakers from the opposition.
—Amy Chang Chien, New York Times, 22 May 2025
The changes hit on several outstanding policy demands that Republicans had been debating in meetings for days.
—Riley Beggin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
Florida, for example, prohibits state institutions from giving preferential consideration for employment, admission, or promotion.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
-
The measure, which would implement much of Trump’s second-term agenda, will now go to the Senate for consideration.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Her crypto controversy began the very next day, resulting in a show hiatus.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
20 May 2025
-
Meanwhile, Trump and his allies have attracted their own commencement controversies.—
Emma Whitford,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
Nothing creates as much interest among UCF faithful as uniform discussions.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 May 2025
-
Jack Lang Botafogo Another Brazilian side who have no interest in, and have had no discussions over, signing Ronaldo.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
California Democrats are now pondering the unthinkable.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
22 May 2025
-
The Sharks could have a lot to think about – or nothing to ponder at all.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
Chair Powell did not discuss his expectations for monetary policy, except to stress that the path of policy will depend entirely on incoming economic information and what that means for the outlook.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
-
Rather, Evans says, this viral moment is an opportunity to discuss what is acceptable and what isn't in a relationship.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
The decision, which comes more than a month after the Season 3 finale was released April 17, followed lengthy deliberations.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
-
The reconciliation bill will first need to be voted out of the House Rules Committee, which began deliberations at 1 a.m. Republicans can only afford to lose three members for the bill to pass the full House.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Lee-Gardner became involved in the dispute and is accused of hitting the homeowner in her head with a pistol.—
Mike Stunson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 May 2025
-
Instead, the zoning dispute will be settled in court.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
The same guidelines should apply to consultations with AI.—
Paul Hsieh,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
The next consultations can be scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. June 7.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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