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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Relevance

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

In fact, Mickes and Wixted have found that, in many exoneration cases, a witness resolutely identified a person in court despite having dithered and debated during the initial photo lineup. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026 Consider ongoing litigation between state governments and prediction-market companies, where the two sides are debating whether states are preempted from enforcing their gambling laws by a federal law on prediction markets. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 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

There are also discussions about an adjacent White House meeting with AI CEOs next week, which House Majority Leader Mike Johnson referenced, but a representative for the speaker declined to provide further details.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
One focus of the discussion during Thursday’s regular board meeting was whether the community should be allowed to name the school after another individual, despite a district staff proposal to prohibit names of individuals.

— Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of discussion

Verb

The bottom line There is no universal answer for savers pondering whether a CD or high-yield savings account is the right choice for them now, after the first interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve in more than three years.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
In the Reliant Stadium visitors’ locker room Sunday afternoon, Moore leaned against a door and pondered what his debut might mean for the 2026 season.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of ponder

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

Reputation work can involve sensitive information about executives, companies and disputes.

— Scott Keever, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Insanity defendants are disproportionately low-income, their cases rarely reach a jury, and there’s usually no dispute about the diagnosis, which is almost invariably schizophrenia.

— Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of dispute

Noun

Forbes didn’t evaluate Leo or offer any kind of consultation note or other documentation.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 18 Sep. 2026
The first stage of any WTO case is a round of formal talks called consultations, which the two governments are required to attempt before the dispute can go further.

— Filipe Mendonça, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of consultation

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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 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of debate

noun

verb

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