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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of debate
Moná Thomas, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
While the debate in Denver will focus on when the law takes effect and how it’s enforced, the consumer protection mandates are very likely to remain.
—Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Fort Lauderdale has also been debating adding even more to its rainy day fund, which currently sits at more than $130 million.
—Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
Along with chatting about the fun debates between him and his wife, the actor spoke about his partnership with Blue Buffalo Wilderness and what it’s been like traveling and adventuring with his dogs, Remi and Lily.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
While the debate in Denver will focus on when the law takes effect and how it’s enforced, the consumer protection mandates are very likely to remain.
—Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
The hosts debate whether a team in the upper half of the valuations could sell today if the buyer wasn’t Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Fort Lauderdale has also been debating adding even more to its rainy day fund, which currently sits at more than $130 million.
—Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
The camera, lens, and performances aren’t Spike’s only considerations.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Special teams work is going to factor heavily here, but there are other roster considerations.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Super Micro has faced significant controversy over the past year, including allegations of accounting irregularities, delays in SEC filings, and scrutiny from short-sellers.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
The controversy kicked off in June when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced its plans to resume using diquat and other herbicides to combat the spread of invasive hydrilla along the river.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Android in the last seven days.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks during a roundtable discussion in Kerrville, Texas, during a tour to observe flood damage on July 11.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Michael Bier of Foul Territory TV also pondered a division with the Royals, Rangers, Astros and Cardinals.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Thomas and Irish director Mark Cousins pondered over the state of the film industry during a 90-minute conversation, which also covered Harvey Weinstein, Harry Cohn and Thomas’ time spent with some of the biggest filmmakers in history.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Detectives have reached out to several police agencies across the country to discuss various suspects and cases that have any similarities to the Fleming case, the release states.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene his high-level security cabinet on Thursday to discuss expanding the war against Hamas, including the potential full military occupation of the Gaza Strip.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Even now, laws that the council approves after deliberation and public comment can be tossed out by Congress.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Clermont judge nudged the parties to negotiate After a brief trial in fall 2024 and months of deliberation, Haddad reached his decision: Kroger should be bound to the restrictions that came with the Sears property, unless the mall owner and other key tenants agreed to new terms.—
Alexander Coolidge,
The Enquirer,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The notice comes in the midst of a broader legal dispute between Wilson and The Deb's producers.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Peter was working on Chime’s internal tools for managing customer support and disputes.—
Jeff Kauflin,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Other duties include promoting and coordinating statewide community college planning and programs; providing consultation and advice to community college officials and interpreting state and federal laws and policies relating to the community colleges.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
The new office has five patient rooms, two labs and spaces for physician and dietitian consultations.—
Jim Owczarski,
jsonline.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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