deliberation
noun
de·lib·er·a·tion
di-ˌli-bə-ˈrā-shən 
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
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
The jury of six men and six women declared themselves at an impasse after multiple days of deliberation, unable to reach a unanimous verdict on all three charges.
—
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 18 June 2025
While the White House has not officially commented on the deliberations, the State Department’s guidance to diplomats working with these nations signals serious intent.
—Oumou Fofana, Essence, 18 June 2025
Donald Trump Is Listening Hegseth Recommended a ‘Passive Approach’ to Honoring Juneteenth
The jury returned with the three acquittals after four days of deliberation, but the decision wasn’t without confusion.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
On the fourth day of deliberations, the jury in Dedham, Mass., found Read not guilty of second-degree murder, the most serious charge.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deliberation
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Rachel Treisman, NPR, 18 June 2025
While the White House has not officially commented on the deliberations, the State Department’s guidance to diplomats working with these nations signals serious intent.
—Oumou Fofana, Essence, 18 June 2025
Donald Trump Is Listening Hegseth Recommended a ‘Passive Approach’ to Honoring Juneteenth
The jury returned with the three acquittals after four days of deliberation, but the decision wasn’t without confusion.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
On the fourth day of deliberations, the jury in Dedham, Mass., found Read not guilty of second-degree murder, the most serious charge.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deliberation
Cite this Entry
“Deliberation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deliberation. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deliberation
noun
de·lib·er·a·tion
di-ˌlib-ə-ˈrā-shən
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
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
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