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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of debate
Barry Levitt, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Kennedy has promised that, with a report assembled in a few short months, HHS will soon end the years-long debate on the drivers of autism—which Kennedy has repeatedly and baselessly linked to vaccines, despite decades of evidence debunking that claim.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
For retailers, the survey's findings highlight the uncertain backdrop for a holiday season that could be shaped, at least in part, by price sensitivity as companies debate how much to absorb and pass on higher tariff costs.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
The film is likely to spark heated debate among viewers, and that’s something Sweeney encourages.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Kennedy has promised that, with a report assembled in a few short months, HHS will soon end the years-long debate on the drivers of autism—which Kennedy has repeatedly and baselessly linked to vaccines, despite decades of evidence debunking that claim.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Prompted by a question his son had about the number pi, Brooks began debating math with ChatGPT – particularly the idea that numbers do not just stay the same and can change over time.
—Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
For retailers, the survey's findings highlight the uncertain backdrop for a holiday season that could be shaped, at least in part, by price sensitivity as companies debate how much to absorb and pass on higher tariff costs.
—Melissa Repko, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
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For industries that involve high-consideration, expensive purchases like buying a car, finding the right balance between automation and human connection is critical.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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And while Miller is garnering consideration to replace Trouba and become the 29th captain in franchise history, the stronger winds seem to be blowing toward veteran center Vincent Trocheck.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But Brown became entangled in a controversy of her own this spring when she was indicted alongside her two adult daughters on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud used to falsely obtain pandemic relief loans.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
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While some among Democrats cast him as the party’s national leader and a natural choice for their 2028 nominee, conservative critics point to his past controversies, including other pay-for-play stories.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The discussions come in the wake of the shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school last month that federal officials have said was carried out by a transgender shooter, according to a person familiar with the matter.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Sep. 2025
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Professors will record their lectures and other classroom discussions in a professional television studio, with quality lighting and audio.—
John Wisely,
Freep.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In her conversation with Interview, Peters pondered whether the next Great American Novelist could be trans.—
Grace Byron,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Here are some points to ponder over based on the insights from this emerging research.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The gathering, billed as a briefing rather than a fullblown hearing, included a slate of experts in science, defense and technology who discussed with members of Congress how understanding the unexplained phenomena could lead to scientific breakthroughs and enhance national security.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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Still, Highmark would not discuss L’s case in any detail, citing patient privacy.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, cautioned that the talks were in the early stages and that no proposal has been finalized.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Sep. 2025
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Senior Justice Department officials have held internal deliberations in recent days over potentially issuing a rule that could restrict transgender individuals from being able to own firearms, two officials familiar with the discussions confirmed Thursday to ABC News.—
Alexander Mallin,
ABC News,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Nearly a year after being removed from Lincoln Heights' village council over a tax dispute, a leading community activist has had his seat restored by a state appeals court.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Sep. 2025
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How the courts and legislatures balance the rights of the majority and minority in these disputes over the place of the Ten Commandments in public life may go a long way toward shaping the future of religious freedom in American public education.—
Lydia Artz,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There is no time limit on how long such consultations could take, and experts say the language is flexible enough to allow each member to decide how far to go in responding to armed aggression against another.—
Matt Spetalnick,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Poland has not invoked Article 5, but by calling for Article 4 consultations—only the eighth time in NATO’s history — Warsaw made clear this is more than a one-off incident.—
David A. Deptula,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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