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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

Example 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
Di Costanzo says the mix of languages was a deliberate ploy. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 The deliberate display of unity is a pointed rebuke to Trump’s faltering attempt to end Russia’s war in Ukraine – and an open challenge to America’s waning global leadership under the US president. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
All members would deliberate, although only five of the presidents would vote in an annual rotation. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2025 The tension builds as the approaching dog gets closer, its every movement deliberate, as though sneaking up in a playful ambush. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deliberate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate
Adjective
  • Maybe the slower, more considered pace of life is exactly what is required to create a more sustainable place, and a more sustainable future.
    Emma John, AFAR Media, 20 Aug. 2025
  • At a time where equality is treated as an imposition on the other, Claire’s careful and considered story feels more relevant than ever.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This look is perfect for landing in a style-conscious city like Paris or Chicago and hitting the ground running without needing a quick change in the airport bathroom.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
  • As Americans grow increasingly more health-conscious, many are looking for substitutes for certain foods and additives that researchers have deemed less-than-stellar for your longterm health.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That same year the Clippers and Aspiration signed deals that contemplated a $300 million partnership for Aspiration to sponsor the Clippers’ arena and the team’s jersey patch.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The film’s title carries particular significance for Yoon, who has been contemplating it for 15 years.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Poonen said the combination, which brought together his fast-growing but unprofitable firm with the larger, highly profitable Veritas, was a risky but calculated deal.
    Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The key to scaling wealth Scaling wealth requires diversification and bold but calculated moves.
    Anne-Lyse Ngatta, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This has for decades been underpinned by voluntary pricing agreements — voluntary in the sense that non-voluntary terms would have been worse — between the industry and the NHS.
    Ian King, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • On August 22, Blue Bell Creameries announced a voluntary recall of its 64-ounce Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream due to the presence of undeclared nuts, which pose a risk to individuals with nut allergies.
    Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Eagle-eyed audiences will ponder the connection between an artist who’s become persona non grata in American culture and Roberts as a professor who is facing accusations and persecution of her own.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Superstar salaries Finally, ponder California occupations where wages exceed $100,000 at the 90th percentile.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Falwell sued for invasion of privacy, libel and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Like most extended car warranty providers, CarShield excludes pre-existing conditions that existed before your warranty took effect, as well as damage resulting from poor maintenance, neglect or intentional abuse.
    Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The students in the club participated in National History Day, a competition where students present a topic of their interest, and the YMCA Youth and Government Program’s Model Legislative Session, where students debate bills at the Arizona Capitol.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Trials make disputes public, and jury trials allow citizens to debate the issues and return verdicts that reflect their community.
    Richard Lorren Jolly, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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