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
Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Siraj said that the search for Planet Nine or Y is a heated debate in astronomy.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
The couple, who met on the set of All My Children in 1995 and married the following year, also debated the state's law stating that customers cannot pump their own gas.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
Internally, the rollout has reignited a long-running debate inside OpenAI about how to balance safety with creative freedom.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Siraj said that the search for Planet Nine or Y is a heated debate in astronomy.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
This discipline, debating until the best idea survives, teaches future leaders to welcome scrutiny, pressure-test their own reasoning, and make tough calls with limited information.
—Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
The couple, who met on the set of All My Children in 1995 and married the following year, also debated the state's law stating that customers cannot pump their own gas.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
The recommendation will now go to the Louisville Metro Council for its consideration.—
Killian Baarlaer,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Things to Consider While Ezekiel bread is a healthy bread choice, there are some considerations to take into account for certain people.—
Angelica Bottaro,
Verywell Health,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
What's Next Chinese research ship operations in neighboring maritime zones are likely to remain a source of controversy as the country continues to strengthen its posture in the region.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
One quick line, in which an elderly woman recognizes Mark’s sport as one that was threatened with a legal ban, suggests both its controversy and its singularity, but the subject is dropped as casually as it’s mentioned.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
While what kind of crust a Key Lime pie should have is often up for discussion, there’s no debate as heated as what should top the tangy pie.—
Amber Love Bond,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Near the end of the day, Haag gathered her students for their usual wrap-up discussion.—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Instead, the Mets are back to square one, pondering a new kind of disappointment.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Over a mashup of fiddles and guitars, Tod and Jennings blend their rough-hewn voices on a song about consequences for older vices and choices, pondering when the consequences of those actions outweigh the vices themselves.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Back in Europe, regional leaders will converge in Copenhagen on Wednesday to discuss measures to bolster the continent’s security, following a recent spate of airspace incursions in countries including Denmark, Poland, Romania and Estonia.—
Tasmin Lockwood,Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Women who are at higher risk with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors should discuss timing of screening with their health care provider.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
By denying a rehearing, the case returns to Allf for further deliberations.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Foreign policy might be central to the Supreme Court deliberations.—
Nora Gamez Torres,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Palladinos departed after Season 6 due to contract disputes with WB, and David Rosenthal stepped in as showrunner and head writer.—
Anna Tingley,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The dispute occurred during a hearing on a Republican bill to ban public funds for health care for undocumented immigrants.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Feedback from supporters is being digested and, over the next few months, further consultation with the Fan Advisory Board and other fans’ groups is anticipated.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The drones that landed in Poland were not believed to be armed, but nonetheless, spurred Warsaw to trigger Article 4 emergency consultations with NATO members.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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