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
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Recent Examples of debate
Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Sherrill claimed during the debate, without evidence, that Ciattarelli was responsible for the deaths of thousands of adults and children while profiting off the nation’s opioid crisis.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 10 Oct. 2025
David Clarey, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025
City next play Chelsea in January, when Gallagher and Madonna will no doubt debate whether Raheem Sterling fulfilled his career potential over a half-time pint.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
It’s now been a year since the death of Ratan Tata and three years since Cyrus Mistry died in a car crash, but the debate over the influence of Tata Trusts on Tata Sons has not been put to rest.
—Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Sherrill claimed during the debate, without evidence, that Ciattarelli was responsible for the deaths of thousands of adults and children while profiting off the nation’s opioid crisis.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
On social media, some debated whether the police department's telling of events was accurate and others urged witnesses or those with video to share it.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025
City next play Chelsea in January, when Gallagher and Madonna will no doubt debate whether Raheem Sterling fulfilled his career potential over a half-time pint.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
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The growing cap is one consideration, as a $12 million contract starting in 2025-26 is slightly different from one in 2026-27.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
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Justices can either uphold the Court of Appeals’ dismissal of the case or remand it back to the Court of Claims for consideration, which would then mean the legality of Michigan denying workers' compensation wages to undocumented workers who suffer injuries on the job could be debated.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Her participation had already sparked controversy due to her past ballroom experience.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Oct. 2025
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The bill became a source of controversy in the Golden State, with celebrity chefs among those who rallied against the cookware ban, while environmental and health activists have argued for it.—
Rachel Frazin,
The Hill,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The discussion comes amid a huge surge in spending on data-center infrastructure.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
12 Oct. 2025
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By bringing us back to the question of land, Tuck and Yang invite discussion on how the abstraction of decolonization has hindered material efforts towards solidarity.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Entering his first full offseason, Seidler may want to ponder a comment made a few years ago by Peter Seidler, his late brother.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Oct. 2025
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In the book, Keaton reflected on modern standards of beauty, pondering the societal obsession with how things look.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But sources told Fortune that these cuts are being discussed differently internally than the typical URA process.—
Jason Del Rey,
Fortune,
15 Oct. 2025
-
At this year’s Latin Music Week, multiple companies will offer their expertise and their artists to discuss new philosophies and actions to develop artists for the long term.—
Leila Cobo,
Billboard,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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After more than two days of deliberation, the foreperson read the verdict, starting with the charges of special-circumstances murder/robbery.—
Joe Garcia,
New Yorker,
12 Oct. 2025
-
When jurors came forward with concerns, Farber was strict about respecting the sanctity of deliberations and cautioned them not to discuss the content or tenor of jury room discussions, transcripts show.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Payment of the penalty isn’t required until after the dispute resolution process is complete, a state spokesperson said.—
Anjeanette Damon,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
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Other refinements could include a dispute resolution mechanism and a joint task force to assess project viability.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Norway’s prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, has also proposed a ban for users under 15 years of age and his government launched a public consultation for a new law in June.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
8 Oct. 2025
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Start with this list, then let detailed consultations and your comfort with the team guide the final call.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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