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
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Recent Examples of debate
Nosa Omoigui,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Jackson made a statement that was later used against him in political ads during his first primary debate.
—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
25 June 2026
Ashley Keller told the justices that Congress has been debating a golden shield for the company as part of the farm bill.
—
Carrie Johnson,
NPR,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
The debate is unfolding at precisely the moment when the half-life of materially relevant information is shrinking from months to weeks—and in some cases, from weeks to days.
—
Nosa Omoigui,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Jackson made a statement that was later used against him in political ads during his first primary debate.
—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
Verb
Olsen noted that candidate interviews in his day were conducted by a committee whose recommendations were debated and voted on publicly.
—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
25 June 2026
Ashley Keller told the justices that Congress has been debating a golden shield for the company as part of the farm bill.
—
Carrie Johnson,
NPR,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
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Jacie Prieto Lopez, LA28’s vice president of communications and public affairs, said in a statement that her organization is pleased to forward the agreement to the council for consideration.
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According to data from Sports Business Classroom, some cash consideration offerings in transactions alongside players ran well into the multimillion-dollar range.
Noun
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Worth noting Relievers Sam Hentges and Ryan Walker made their first appearances back at Oracle Park since the Pride Night controversy became a national story.
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The controversy began during a segment on the French sports network L’Équipe when presenter France Pierron argued that participating in the World Cup was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should take precedence over family obligations.
Noun
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His show, which ran for nearly four decades, provided a national platform for frank discussions on race, politics, and culture.
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If emotions rise, pause to name the concern, then restate the common goal so the discussion shifts from blame toward practical steps and timelines everyone trusts.
Verb
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Plunkett, with the Norman Rockwell Museum, pondered whether Americans viewing the painting today would find a familiar feeling.
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Season 2 continues this thread, and Hely pondered the sense of exhaustion about living in this corporate world.
Verb
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In discussing the matter, Hahn also called for the county to look into establishing an emergency stockpile of air purifiers and other critical supplies to better prepare for future disasters.
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Without discussing too much in detail, councilmembers raised several potential alternatives during the meeting, including parking garage subsidies, downtown employee waivers and a comprehensive citywide review of parking programs.
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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Brad Pitt may have scored a win in his yearslong winery dispute with ex Angelina Jolie, but the battle is far from over.
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Showdowns over international inspectors caused years of disputes between the US and Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and more recently Iran.
Noun
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Start by requesting a full estimate of the procedure, including consultations, lab work, and follow-up appointments.
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Beyond manufacturing, The Yard includes a design studio, a bespoke consultation room for custom frame commissions, a training academy for opticians and makers, and a growing archive of historic spectacles spanning more than two centuries.
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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