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deliberate

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deliberate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of deliberate are intentional, voluntary, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

When is intentional a more appropriate choice than deliberate?

The meanings of intentional and deliberate largely overlap; however, intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When is it sensible to use voluntary instead of deliberate?

In some situations, the words voluntary and deliberate are roughly equivalent. However, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

Where would willing be a reasonable alternative to deliberate?

While the synonyms willing and deliberate are close in meaning, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deliberate
Adjective
Platitudes about free expression betray a deliberate ignorance of human psychology. David Robert Grimes, Scientific American, 3 Apr. 2025 So, calling the Niners’ rebuild a copy of the Rams’ model is delusional at best and a deliberate smokescreen at worst. Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
In many cases, CIOs must play the role of chief AI officer, deliberating over which vendors to work with and how to govern that approach throughout the organization. Lori Schafer, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Aaron Rodgers is still deliberating on where to sign after being officially released by the Jets on Wednesday. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deliberate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate
Adjective
  • Read more Dua and Callum’s Couple Style Is, Like Them, Hot Turner’s low-key but considered looks are the perfect backdrop to his girlfriend’s more mercurial wardrobe.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Working from Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay, Jenkins tries to allay a clunky narrative with his intimate and considered style.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • First responders arrived at the scene around 10:03 a.m. to find Joseph conscious and alert, the sheriff's office said.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Diplomatic and socially conscious, Mitchell chooses to keep the peace in his relationships, especially seeing both sides of an argument, just like Libra.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While contemplating his former love and his future as a father, Massey conjures up the apparition of his beloved Catherine.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Boasberg has been contemplating whether to hold any administration officials in contempt of court for ignoring his orders last month to turn around planes that were carrying the deportees to El Salvador.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, proactively seek to innovate, explore new areas, and take calculated risks.
    Cicely Simpson, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • It’s also helped that the rest of the blue line has had more freedom to take calculated risks and join plays on offence, which has allowed the club to generate scoring chances at a healthy rate recently.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • What's Being Recalled And Why The voluntary recall was initiated by Cabot’s parent company, Agri-Mark, Inc., on March 26, 2025, after internal testing detected elevated levels of coliform bacteria.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After an open letter announced the move on March 25, the card count occurred on Wednesday, followed by voluntary recognition from management the same day.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And ponder why the tee shot on the par-3 12th creates such a riddle.
    Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The key just lies in understanding proportions, mixing textures, and adding the right accessories to take a look from casual to more intentional.
    Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Closing that gap across hierarchy and geography requires intentional and consistent communication from the CEO.
    Elizabeth Baskin, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Callahan said the uncertainty is why many are debating whether to buy or sell shares and why companies such as Klarna, StubHub and Chime are reportedly delaying their initial public offerings.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Such historical revelations, belatedly publicized and debated, were necessary, yet immeasurably painful.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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