debate 1 of 2

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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debate

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb debate contrast with its synonyms?

The words argue and discuss are common synonyms of debate. While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself.

debated the merits of the amendment
I'm debating whether I should go

Where would argue be a reasonable alternative to debate?

In some situations, the words argue and debate are roughly equivalent. However, argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

When can discuss be used instead of debate?

The words discuss and debate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

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 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
  • Prioritizing Interoperability Within Your Organization When purchasing new software for your tech stack, interoperability is an important consideration.
    Cynthia Tee, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • After careful consideration, the federal Court of International Trade, based in Manhattan, ruled on May 28 that Trump had exceeded his authority with the tariffs and ordered them lifted.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Social Security has become a lightening rod for controversy since Trump’s inauguration in January.
    Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 7 July 2025
  • The controversy in Spain echoes similar issues in Portugal, where Rabbi Daniel Litvak of Oporto was arrested in 2022 amid investigations into fraudulent citizenship applications linked notably to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
    Orge Castellano, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Subscribe On Tuesday, Nvidia also confirmed that Huang was in China and had met government and industry officials to discuss the benefits of AI and ways for researchers to advance safe and secure AI.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 15 July 2025
  • In this interview, the co-founder of Kodiak Cakes and now founder of Kindling discusses his strategic approach to building a brand, disrupting categories, and the evolving landscape of health-conscious snacking.
    Dave Knox, Forbes.com, 15 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
  • Threads on the South Park subreddit and social media have lit up with foul-mouthed complaints from international fans, most of them directed at Paramount and David Ellison’s Skydance Media, whose $8 billion buyout of Paramount is at the heart of the South Park dispute.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
  • But there are still some sour grapes about the big tactical dispute in February.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 14 July 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
  • But far fewer are conducting serious research, seeking professional consultation or actually moving.
    Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels, The Conversation, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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