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
Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
For years now, one of hip-hop’s most common debates has been: Who is the next Kendrick Lamar?
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
Robert Rapier, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Spectrum in reconciliation: Republicans are debating whether to reauthorize the FCC's spectrum auction authority through budget reconciliation.
—Maria Curi, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
These may be electoral soft spots for liberals, and might warrant some debate or even a shift in messaging.
—Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
For years now, one of hip-hop’s most common debates has been: Who is the next Kendrick Lamar?
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, Turkmenistan is debating whether to sell more gas east to China or west to the EU.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Spectrum in reconciliation: Republicans are debating whether to reauthorize the FCC's spectrum auction authority through budget reconciliation.
—Maria Curi, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
While most jurisdictions are moving forward with digital tax reforms to ensure that foreign providers contribute to public revenue, the Dominican Republic has so far stepped back—highlighting the complex political and economic considerations that influence digital tax policy.—
Aleksandra Bal,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Varley’s grip, her taut observation of nerve-wracking isolation, loosens and the film devolves into a blunt and clichéd consideration of family.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Early reviews have been positive, but can the positive buzz help audiences digest the poison apple that is Disney's Snow White controversy?—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
21 Mar. 2025
-
The movie, which premieres March 21, has had its fair share of controversies throughout the production process — from Disney's choice to cast Zegler as Snow White to the studio being criticized for perpetuating stereotypes about dwarfs to rumors that Zegler and Gal Gadot don't get along.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Many content creators engage with their audience through community posts that include interactive features like polls and discussion prompts.—
Aytekin Tank,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
-
The fine will be up for discussion, but Washington suggested $500.—
Paulina Dedaj,
Fox News,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Fans took to the comments to both praise and ponder Trainor's new look.—
Tracy Wright,
Fox News,
23 Mar. 2025
-
For the six years between the two boys’ deaths, James, too, was pondering suicide—Vincent’s, and then, at some point, his own.—
Yiyun Li,
The New Yorker,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Of course, rationality is often in short supply when discussing money and mortality.—
Ashley Case,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
The health and long term success of the Connecticut River watershed will be discussed at an all day summit next week in Middletown, officials said.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This was intended to be a an [sic] internal and private deliberation amongst high-level senior staff and sensitive information was discussed.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
26 Mar. 2025
-
In addition, the public must be assured these sorts of internal deliberations will in the future occur only in a secure setting.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The eased transit visa rules can’t hide geopolitical differences between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as over economic policies and spying, among other disputes.—
Russell Flannery,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
-
According to Smith, police responded to a call about a dispute with a weapon at a home and then set up a perimeter outside the house after a man shut the door on officers.—
Katie Atkinson,
Billboard,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
From consultation to aftercare, patient safety and quality results are always the top priority.—
Rowan Briggs,
The Mercury News,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Among the issues in the most recent negotiation was a provision to provide appropriate hair and makeup consultation for non-white performers.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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