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

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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

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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

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debate

2 of 2

verb

as in to ponder

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

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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

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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

Examples 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

But now, the TV has trained us to see everything as sports: dating shows, presidential debates, battlefield yards won and lost. —

Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 In a sign of the cases’ significance, Kenya’s president William Ruto waded into the debate on Monday. —

Billy Perrigo, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024

Verb

From its beginning, government officials debated the balance VOA should strike between reporting the news and furthering U.S. foreign policy. —

David Folkenflik, NPR, 12 Dec. 2024 Although the Biden administration is debating whether to de-list HTS, U.S. officials are also cognizant that Jolani's words of inclusiveness don't mean anything until they're backed up by action. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for debate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate

Noun

They are both being held without bail and will have their cases presented to the L.A. County district attorney’s office for filing consideration Monday.

Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
The thinking behind the group put forward for consideration starts with Antoine Budker’s 1874 classification of vineyards, in which seven key plots were identified - Aux Caves, Carquelin, La Rochelle, Les Thorins, Les Vérillats, Moulin-à-Vent, and Rochegrès.

Paul Caputo, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024