deliberation
noun
de·lib·er·a·tion
di-ˌli-bə-ˈrā-shən 
1
a
: the act of thinking about or discussing something and deciding carefully : the act of deliberating
After careful deliberation, he decided to study medicine rather than law.
b
: a discussion and consideration by a group of persons (such as a jury or legislature) of the reasons for and against a measure
The jury returned a verdict after a four-hour deliberation.
2
: the quality or state of being deliberate
spoke with clarity and deliberation
worked with deliberation on the painting
Examples of deliberation in a Sentence
After hours of deliberation, the council came to a decision.
Jury deliberations lasted two days.
She spoke to the audience with clarity and deliberation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Indications from those familiar with the Padres’ deliberations are that outfielder Bryce Johnson is the favorite to make the team over Jase Bowen.
—
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
The nine-person jury returned the verdict after 3 days of deliberation, nearly three weeks after the trial began on March 2.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
The nine-person jury returned the verdict after nearly four days of deliberation, nearly three weeks after the trial began on March 2.
—Barbara Ortutay, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
All of this looks and sounds too grim for words, but stick with it, for there is a purpose—and, crucially, an urgent dramatic pulse—to Loznitsa’s deliberation.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deliberation
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Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
The nine-person jury returned the verdict after 3 days of deliberation, nearly three weeks after the trial began on March 2.
—CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
The nine-person jury returned the verdict after nearly four days of deliberation, nearly three weeks after the trial began on March 2.
—Barbara Ortutay, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
All of this looks and sounds too grim for words, but stick with it, for there is a purpose—and, crucially, an urgent dramatic pulse—to Loznitsa’s deliberation.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deliberation
Cite this Entry
“Deliberation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deliberation. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deliberation
noun
de·lib·er·a·tion
di-ˌlib-ə-ˈrā-shən
1
: the act of deliberating
2
: a discussion and consideration of the reasons for and against something
3
: the quality of being deliberate : deliberateness
Legal Definition
deliberation
noun
de·lib·er·a·tion
di-ˌli-bə-ˈrā-shən
1
a
: the act of deliberating compare premeditation
b
: a discussion and consideration by a group of persons (as a jury or legislature) of the reasons for or against a measure
2
: the quality or state of being deliberate
killing with deliberation
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