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deliberate

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deliberate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of deliberate are intentional, voluntary, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

When is intentional a more appropriate choice than deliberate?

The meanings of intentional and deliberate largely overlap; however, intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When is it sensible to use voluntary instead of deliberate?

In some situations, the words voluntary and deliberate are roughly equivalent. However, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

Where would willing be a reasonable alternative to deliberate?

While the synonyms willing and deliberate are close in meaning, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

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 deliberate
Adjective
In his first 100 hours, rather than days, the 45th and 47th commander in chief moved with deliberate velocity, immediately pardoning 1,500 of the January 6 rioters, a clemency akin to Prince Harry and the British tabloids. Raven Smith, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025 Experts agree that combining resistance training with slow, deliberate movements can improve strength and balance. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
Masterson was found guilty on two counts of forcible rape in May 2023, and a jury was hung on a third charge during the trial after the seven men and five women deliberated for eight days. Tracy Wright, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024 The Constitutional Court is now deliberating whether to uphold the impeachment and remove him from office permanently or dismiss the charges and restore his authority. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deliberate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate
Adjective
  • Read more Dua and Callum’s Couple Style Is, Like Them, Hot Turner’s low-key but considered looks are the perfect backdrop to his girlfriend’s more mercurial wardrobe.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Working from Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay, Jenkins tries to allay a clunky narrative with his intimate and considered style.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But there seems to be more of a conscious effort to slow down, and truly disconnect than ever before.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
  • This vivacious transit — igniting your socially conscious 11th house of friendship, community affairs and future aspirations — invites you to make new connections and focus on your long-term goals.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The House settlement contemplates colleges paying athletes for media rights, ticket sales, sponsorships and NIL.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Rather than contemplating military action, the United States should prioritize building constructive partnerships with Greenland.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • These stories remind teams that bold ideas can emerge even from challenges, encouraging them to take calculated risks and think outside the box.
    Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • This is especially pivotal for those feeling stagnant or in need of change — consider this your green light to take calculated risks.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the department's typical course of action is to negotiate voluntary settlements rather than pursue extreme measures such as revoking federal funding.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • New laws could also formally require AI labs to share information with the U.K. government, replacing the voluntary agreements that currently exist.
    Billy Perrigo, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • TikTok users ponder a post-TikTok world As the justices debated the fate of TikTok, Americans who use the platform for news, entertainment or to make a living were pondering a post-TikTok world.
    Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
  • There is no Alliance Independent School District, and the Keller school board is only pondering the idea of splitting the district in two, according Fort Worth city council member Charles Lauersdorf and Mayor Mattie Parker.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • These words transformed fear into hope, showcasing the power of intentional communication.
    Alain Hunkins, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • This show is talking about God in a very real, intentional way.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • While countries in Western Europe are debating spending more on their militaries, those closer to Moscow have already acted.
    Josh Holder, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Someone’s political views simply were not a factor when choosing friends and associates, and people of different political persuasions could debate the issues of the day without worrying about rupturing those relationships.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near deliberate

Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

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