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
Dan Fellner, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Where interest rates should be today, and when they should be reduced, is already a topic of debate inside the Fed, a decision, it should be noted, that cannot be made unilaterally by the chair.
—Ron Insana, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
While the spending blueprint has been hotly debated because of its effects on household pocketbooks at various income levels, its impact on the overall economy is also a point of contention.
—Paul Davidson, USA Today, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
For the more religious who follow halacha, or traditional Jewish law, the question about how to handle the starting and ending times of Shabbat has been a topic of debate ever since the congregation was founded in 1905.
—Dan Fellner, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Where interest rates should be today, and when they should be reduced, is already a topic of debate inside the Fed, a decision, it should be noted, that cannot be made unilaterally by the chair.
—Ron Insana, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Verb
Senate leaders from both parties continue to debate possible amendments and the broader implications for U.S. spending and free expression.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
While the spending blueprint has been hotly debated because of its effects on household pocketbooks at various income levels, its impact on the overall economy is also a point of contention.
—Paul Davidson, USA Today, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
Because of the break in scheduling — Triple-A and Double-A affiliates hold their All-Star breaks at the same time MLB does — there is some consideration as to whether Herrera will need more live at-bats before re-joining the team.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
-
According to Claire Shorenstein, MS, RD, CSSD, a sports dietitian at Eat for Endurance, a dish like this does in fact hit a lot of the nutrition considerations for athletes.—
Audrey Bruno,
SELF,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The marketing department has been working up a list of areas where crime in the streets is highest, and will target special efforts on Death Wish there, hoping to stir up the kind of controversy that will get people to the box office.—
Andrew Tobias,
Vulture,
7 July 2025
-
Social Security has become a lightening rod for controversy since Trump’s inauguration in January.—
Alicia Adamczyk,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
The discussion later in this article reviews many, but far from all, of the tax changes contained in the BBB.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
Trade discussions usually pick up in the next few weeks around the upcoming draft and All-Star Game, and baseball operations president Erik Neander and his staff should have plenty to talk about.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
The Rafael Devers blockbuster is probably the biggest deal that will go down, but the temptation is there to ponder other earthshaking possibilities, no matter how remote.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
-
Viewing the team’s three-year stint here as an audition of sorts, officials have pondered if the local enthusiasm for baseball could help prove the Sacramento region as a welcome home for MLB.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
In a survey of 404 regular users of AI companionship apps, researchers at MIT Media Lab found that 12 percent of respondents initially sought out these systems to cope with loneliness, and 14 percent used them to discuss personal or mental-health issues.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation.—
Rebecca Boone,
Chicago Tribune,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
James Toliver Craig, 47, is charged with first-degree murder after deliberation in the March 2023 death of his wife, Angela Craig, a 43-year-old mother of six.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
-
After nearly 12 hours of deliberations over three days, the 12-person jury was deadlocked on a reckless manslaughter charge in the teen’s death.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Before the dispute, the Shinawatras and the Huns of Cambodia — two of Southeast Asia’s most influential political dynasties — had enjoyed close personal relations for decades.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
1 July 2025
-
The dispute has influenced Paramount’s approach to a lawsuit accusing it of deceptively editing an interview with Kamala Harris.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
According to the company, over 60% of users who complete a consultation go on to purchase a product.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
-
On June 9, California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the deployment of the National Guard without prior consultation with Governor Gavin Newsom.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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