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
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Recent Examples of debate
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) allows participation based on gender identity, though the state has seen recent local and political debates surrounding the issue.
—
Jackson Thompson Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
Hillel Italie,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2026
On Monday, the Google parent popped almost 5% on its Dow debut as investors continued to debate the tech giant’s heavy artificial intelligence spending .
—
Deena Zaidi,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
Ahead of the film’s world premiere at Karlovy Vary, Mack talked to THR about the inspiration for A Happy Family, wanting to surprise audiences and create debate, and why complexity and hope are such key ingredients.
—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) allows participation based on gender identity, though the state has seen recent local and political debates surrounding the issue.
—
Jackson Thompson Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
Verb
For much of the country, the 250th anniversary of independence on Saturday is a time for celebrating and debating the country’s birth.
—
Hillel Italie,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2026
On Monday, the Google parent popped almost 5% on its Dow debut as investors continued to debate the tech giant’s heavy artificial intelligence spending .
—
Deena Zaidi,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
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Trump taking the country to war with Iran, in part at the urging of his pal Bibi — without any sensible plan, debate, sanction from Congress or consideration as to how this might hurt Americans already struggling to make ends meet.
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By eliminating your class and your ethnicity, your natural talents and weaknesses, from consideration, the veil reminds you that those traits are beyond your control, making fairness an incentive.
Noun
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Test your knowledge of cruise controversies, wedding whispers and more in this week's American Culture Quiz.
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Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.
Noun
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During Thursday evening’s Board of Commissioners meeting, officials unanimously, and with no additional discussion, approved Johnston’s exit agreement and named Assistant County Administrator Alan Howze as his replacement for the rest of the year.
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Immediately, the call sparked online debate and discussion that will surely continue into next week.
Verb
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This anxiety often leads to rumination, where individuals endlessly ponder potential outcomes without actual preparation, mistakenly equating thinking with problem-solving.
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Bravo is sipping its cuppa and pondering what to do about those interesting ladies across the pond.
Verb
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After discussing the situation with his partner, Cody has decided to remain with the team.
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Teng found a menopause specialist from Midi who discussed the risks and benefits of HRT, and recommended vitamins, supplements, diet and lifestyle changes.
Noun
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The jury delivered the verdict on Friday after about 40 minutes of deliberation, AP reported.
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On Thursday The New York Times reported, citing people involved in the deliberations, that OpenAI is leaning toward holding off until next year.
Noun
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The legal action is part of a broader series of disputes in the streaming industry over carriage rights, bundling requirements and pricing control.
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The dispute over Mississippi's law dates back to 2024, when the Republican National Committee and Mississippi's Libertarian Party filed lawsuits challenging the ballot-receipt deadline.
Noun
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The agency made the changes without the customary professional consultations, KFF has reported.
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His expensive and ambitious campaign has been conducted with little congressional consultation or oversight, shaped entirely by one man.
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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