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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Synonym Chooser

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

That changing threat has also fueled a broader debate over whether the institutions created after 9/11 became too large, too expensive or too focused on the dangers of the previous era. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026 The original debates around superhuman AI date to online forums in the 1990s. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Verb

For now, retailers can keep selling the drinks and consumers can continue buying them, but distributors may become increasingly reluctant to replenish inventory while Congress debates the category's future. — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026 Schrader approaches some pretty tetchy, third-rail territory, doing some debating about whether one act of child abuse means that John is, inherently, a child abuser by nature. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate

Noun

The Giants might get something like cash considerations, a player to be named later or perhaps a teenager who is a half-decade away from even thinking about the majors.

— Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Although no performance figures have been given, the metrics should be impressive—bolstered by carbon-fiber aero considerations developed by another English outfit, Artiglio Automotive Studio.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of consideration

Noun

Nacua checked himself into a private facility in April after a series of off-the-field controversies.

— Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
The brothers, who are YouTube stars with various experience in boxing and wrestling, as well as courting controversy, have landed a fight competition series at Hulu and ESPN.

— Peter White, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of controversy

Noun

One thoughtful question could turn a confusing discussion into a conversation people can genuinely learn from.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026
The vigils, which drew tens of thousands of people a year, were the only large-scale public commemoration on Chinese soil of the Tiananmen crackdown, discussion of which is heavily censored in mainland China.

— Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of discussion

Verb

In my 17 seasons in the professional game, dealing with persistent infringement was never discussed at a training meeting, and no single method was promoted as best practice.

— Graham Scott, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The novelist and journalist Mary McCarthy, by contrast, is discussed at length, though her inclusion even in the second sense seems unconvincing.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of discuss

Noun

The holdout The crowds of journalists and spectators became increasingly restless throughout the days of deliberations, testing the patience of staff at the Plymouth trial courthouse, a pristine legal complex surrounded by quiet fields and farmland.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
The weekslong trial, followed by seven days of deliberation, ultimately resulted in a mistrial.

— Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of deliberation

Noun

Jonathan said the initial consultation for the surgery will cost $1,200 — but beyond that, the exact price for the procedure is still unclear, leaving him uncertain what route to take.

— Sara Belcher, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2026
Among them, Amazon Beauty is offering one-on-one makeup artist consultations; Wella Professionals is offering dry hair styling and touch-ups; and Anastasia Soare will give a brow artistry masterclass.

— Jennet Jusu, Allure, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of consultation

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“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of debate

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verb

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