deliberation

noun

de·​lib·​er·​a·​tion di-ˌli-bə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deliberation (audio)
1
a
: the act of thinking about or discussing something and deciding carefully : the act of deliberating
After careful deliberation, he decided to study medicine rather than law.
b
: a discussion and consideration by a group of persons (such as a jury or legislature) of the reasons for and against a measure
The jury returned a verdict after a four-hour deliberation.
2
: the quality or state of being deliberate
spoke with clarity and deliberation
worked with deliberation on the painting
deliberative
di-ˈli-bə-ˌrā-tiv How to pronounce deliberation (audio)
-ˈli-b(ə-)rə-
adjective
deliberatively adverb
deliberativeness noun

Examples of deliberation in a Sentence

After hours of deliberation, the council came to a decision. Jury deliberations lasted two days. She spoke to the audience with clarity and deliberation.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
James Toliver Craig, 47, is charged with first-degree murder after deliberation in the March 2023 death of his wife, Angela Craig, a 43-year-old mother of six. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025 After nearly 12 hours of deliberations over three days, the 12-person jury was deadlocked on a reckless manslaughter charge in the teen’s death. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2025 After deliberations that went into the early evening, jurors convicted Johnson of attempting to commit first-degree murder, unlawful flight from a pursuing law enforcement vehicle and four counts of disorderly conduct. Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025 This maneuver effectively circumvented the legislative process, bypassing public hearings, stakeholder consultation, and committee deliberation. Marcel Rodarte, Oc Register, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for deliberation

Word History

Etymology

see deliberate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of deliberation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deliberation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deliberation. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

deliberation

noun
de·​lib·​er·​a·​tion di-ˌlib-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deliberation (audio)
1
: the act of deliberating
2
: a discussion and consideration of the reasons for and against something
3
: the quality of being deliberate : deliberateness

Legal Definition

deliberation

noun
de·​lib·​er·​a·​tion di-ˌli-bə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deliberation (audio)
1
a
: the act of deliberating compare premeditation
b
: a discussion and consideration by a group of persons (as a jury or legislature) of the reasons for or against a measure
2
: the quality or state of being deliberate
killing with deliberation
deliberative adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on deliberation

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