debate 1 of 2

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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debate

2 of 2

verb

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
Marrying The Micro With The Macro There has been much debate and confusion about what is going on – or how to address it. Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Many supporters accepted Trump's apology and shifted attention to past allegations against Bill Clinton—a counteroffensive that reached its nadir when Trump invited Clinton's past accusers as his guests to the debate. 4. Carlo Versano jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Verb
The end of the penny has been debated in the U.S. since the early 1990s, when Republicans and Democrats alike supported legislative bids to do away with the penny, drawing on cost-benefit analysis as their rationale. Antoinette Burton, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025 Archaeologists have long debated the origin of human symbolic behavior. Jay Kakade june 15, New Atlas, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
  • Reds add two players, option to Triple A Saturday, the Reds traded for right-hander Brian Van Belle from the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • Republican leaders in the Florida Senate have blocked consideration of those proposals.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • The changes come amid several controversies facing the Texas Lottery in recent years, particularly on the issue of courier purchases.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • Red Bull team boss Christian Horner revealed what has changed in Formula 1 over his 20 years in the sport amid the sport's drama and controversies.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • There is also discussion of the $10 billion Walter’s TWG Global holding company recently received from Mubadala Capital, an investment arm of Mubadala Investment Company, the sovereign wealth fund based in the United Arab Emirates, and what that transaction portends for Walter’s next move.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 24 June 2025
  • The fragile ceasefire and how to approach Iran and its nuclear ambitions moving forward are likely to be a subject of discussion among world leaders at the NATO summit.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • But something else to ponder: If the 2025 Club World Cup is a bit of a wash-out, will 2029 attract enough money to offer a similar prize pot?
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • The time to ponder that question, set up boundaries, and guide how A.I. is assimilated into our workflow and lives was yesterday.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • The president initially appeared to favor a delay in any attack to give diplomatic efforts more time, nudging Iran to come to the table to discuss curtailing its nuclear program.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 22 June 2025
  • The courtroom was sealed as the parties discussed the matter, which had been considered resolved early in the week.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The jury of six men and six women declared themselves at an impasse after multiple days of deliberation, unable to reach a unanimous verdict on all three charges.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 18 June 2025
  • While the White House has not officially commented on the deliberations, the State Department’s guidance to diplomats working with these nations signals serious intent.
    Oumou Fofana, Essence, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The simmering dispute comes as protesters showed up at Dodger Stadium on Thursday to decry Dodgers’ silence amidst immigration raids and unrest in Los Angeles.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 21 June 2025
  • News to Know Wisconsin lawsuit accuses Miami of tampering In the latest legal dispute amid the changing landscape of college sports, the University of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit against the University of Miami yesterday for allegedly tampering with a football player.
    and Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • For a time, Cruz would let women know about misoprostol—how to procure and take it—and support them through the process while the doctor would provide consultations and follow-up care to those who needed it, such as an ultrasound to confirm gestation or monitoring of heavy bleeding.
    Rebecca Grant June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • On June 8, President Trump sent in 1,700 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to help control the protests without California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) request or consultation.
    Amalia Huot-Marchand, The Hill, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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