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
Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
The current debates regarding DEI initiatives suggest that brands’ social stances might impact the bottom line.
—Haniya Rae, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2025
With a knowledgeable, driver-centric enthusiast base ready to debate any change to the 911 ad infinitum, putting a hybrid engine in the car was an enormous risk.
—Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
Following their return to Earth, the crew — the first female space light in six decades — was met with increasing debate about the short flight.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
The current debates regarding DEI initiatives suggest that brands’ social stances might impact the bottom line.
—Haniya Rae, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
And Just Like That … Club, our subscriber-exclusive newsletter obsessing over, dissecting, and debating everything about season three.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2025
With a knowledgeable, driver-centric enthusiast base ready to debate any change to the 911 ad infinitum, putting a hybrid engine in the car was an enormous risk.
—Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
But the once-inconceivable consideration of tax increases underscores the tricky task that Republicans have in meeting competing demands from fiscal hawks, moderates and tax slashers for the ambitious party-line bill — as well as the rise of populist instincts in the party.—
Emily Brooks,
The Hill,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Creating New Garden Beds Choosing the right spot for a new garden bed takes a lot of consideration.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Now, with the controversy behind him, Benn has the opportunity to finally face Eubank in the ring.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Despite the controversy, for the Hilton, that doesn't change the imperative to serve.—
Major Garrett,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The LinkedIn algorithm rewards users who actively participate in discussions across the platform.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
But, after a discussion with Barman, she was hooked on the concept.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Once the news of her pending nuptials to ex-professional snowboarder Shaun White hit, inquiring minds were quick to ponder what her bridal beauty prep and wedding makeup looks might entail.—
Jessica Ourisman,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Exploring themes of empty consumerism, social isolation, and toxic masculinity before that phrase entered the cultural lexicon, American Psycho gives the audience a lot to ponder in addition to operating as an entertaining horror film.—
Johnny Loftus,
EW.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Putin also discussed Iran's nuclear program with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said during his visit to Moscow, the Kremlin said, as Oman continues its mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
-
These topics and more will continue to be discussed leading up to the draft.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
While deliberations of the Council will be mostly behind closed doors, the Parliament uses a more open legislative process.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Stermer was found guilty after seven hours of deliberation, according to WWMT.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Book dispute is one of three religious rights cases The case is one of three religious rights cases the Supreme Court is deciding in the coming weeks, and appears likely to be part of a recent trend of the court siding with religious rights advocates.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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Congress could also impose penalties for spurious contract award disputes, which have become commonplace as a business strategy, as such disputes open the possibility that losing companies can compete again for the contract.—
MICHAEL BROWN,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The residency includes consultations with industry professionals.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Among other services, LPE will help embed sustainability values in scripts through consultations, and provide training, panels and courses to up-skill industry works.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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