DEBATE Synonyms: 175 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'debate' contrast with its synonyms?

The words argue and discuss are common synonyms of debate . While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself. // debated the merits of the amendment // I'm debating whether I should go

Q: Where would 'argue' be a reasonable alternative to 'debate'?

In some situations, the words argue and debate are roughly equivalent. However, argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held. // argued that the project would be too costly

Q: When can 'discuss' be used instead of 'debate'?

The words discuss and debate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con. // discussed the need for a new highway

debate 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈbāt

Definition of debate next

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

short shrift

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

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

debate

2 of 2

verb

as in to ponder

to give serious and careful thought to still debating what to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb debate contrast with its synonyms?

The words argue and discuss are common synonyms of debate. While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself.

debated the merits of the amendment

I'm debating whether I should go

Where would argue be a reasonable alternative to debate?

In some situations, the words argue and debate are roughly equivalent. However, argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

When can discuss be used instead of debate?

The words discuss and debate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

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 debate

Noun

There is a longstanding debate between Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, those NBA legends. —

Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 24 Jan. 2025 Jubilee’s team mostly resolves contentious programming decisions through internal discussion and debate, which seems fitting. —

Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

Someone’s political views simply were not a factor when choosing friends and associates, and people of different political persuasions could debate the issues of the day without worrying about rupturing those relationships. —

Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025 Functionally, that means meeting for hours at a time to pore over bar graphs and pie charts and debate the minutiae of immunization efficacy. —

Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for debate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate

Noun

The league would likely have teams in some of Europe’s most prominent cities: London, Manchester, Berlin, Paris and Munich are among those in consideration, though that is not a full list.

— Mike Vorkunov, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Safety considerations and ethical concerns remain prominent as OpenAI continues to refine Operator.

— Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025