DEBATE Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

debate 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈbāt

Definition of debate next

as in consideration

a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something after much debate, I decided to get the chocolate ice cream

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Relevance

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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

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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

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debate

2 of 2

verb

as in to ponder

to give serious and careful thought to still debating what to do

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

The Donalds campaign’s official shutdown of a debate came amid reports that the Republican Party of Florida used a strict threshold to disqualify the three other notable GOP candidates from debating at a Republican summit in late June. —

Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026 Most recently, OpenAI released a report claiming that China was trying to influence the US data center debate by using ChatGPT. —

Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 12 June 2026

Verb

Scientists have debated for years how fast this could happen and how much carbon the world’s permafrost might expel, but according to a new study, the situation might be far worse than past estimates suggest. —

Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 June 2026 This was taken for granted in the past, but the existence of this late-in-the-day bombardment is heavily debated in the scientific community. —

Quanta Magazine, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for debate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate

Noun

The lineup was curated by the NBC and Peacock casting team, led by Grace Wu, EVP of casting for NBC and Peacock, after consideration from various open showcases, auditions and open mic nights.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 June 2026
There would be no return to junior hockey, minor-league conditioning stint, load management or consideration about skating for Canada at the World Juniors.

— Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 12 June 2026

Definition of consideration

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debatable

debate

debated

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“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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