Synonyms of debate

debate 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈbāt 

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

• consideration
• deliberation
• study
• thought
• account
• reflection
• advisement
• contemplation
• meditation
• cogitation
• rumination
• introspection
• hesitation
• pondering
• indecision
• agonizing
• premeditation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disregard
• neglect
• short shrift

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

• controversy
• dispute
• disputation
• disagreement
• difference
• contestation
• contention
• firestorm
• dissension
• argument
• difficulty
• dissensus
• nonconcurrence
• conflict
• clash
• quarrel
• discord
• struggle
• dissonance
• fight
• collision
• confliction
• misunderstanding
• altercation
• strife
• combat
• set-to
• disaccord
• division
• divarication
• falling-out
• bicker
• apartness
• kickup

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreement
• consensus
• harmony
• acceptance
• compliance
• accord
• unanimity
• peace
• concord

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

• discussion
• consultation
• consult
• talk
• conversation
• conference
• dialogue
• argumentation
• meeting
• deliberation
• argument
• back-and-forth
• symposium
• colloquy
• give-and-take
• confab
• palaver
• confabulation
• council
• forum
• parley
• counsel
• argy-bargy
• consultancy
• discourse
• seminar
• roundtable
• chat
• negotiation
• chat room
• bull session
• bargaining
• talkathon
• disquisition
• skull session
• rap
• words
• pourparler

debate

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to ponder

to give serious and careful thought to

still debating what to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ponder
• contemplate
• question
• study
• entertain
• consider
• weigh
• eye
• explore
• review
• analyze
• think (about or over)
• look at
• ruminate
• deliberate
• chew on
• mull (over)
• wrestle (with)
• cogitate
• revolve
• meditate
• chew over
• pore (over)
• kick around
• perpend
• turn
• digest
• reflect (on or upon)
• cudgel one's brains (about)
• muse (upon)
• beat one's brains out (about)
• believe
• reason
• reminisce
• speculate (about)
• conclude
• dwell (on or upon)
• fixate (on or upon)
• opine
• brood (about or over)
• fret (about or over)
• obsess (about or over)
• drink (in)
• conceive
• absorb
• second-guess
• assimilate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• slight
• disregard
• overlook
• dismiss
• reject
• pooh-pooh

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

• discuss
• argue
• dispute
• review
• talk over
• moot
• canvass
• agitate
• bat (around or back and forth)
• raise
• bandy
• talk (about)
• speak (about)
• hash (over or out)
• consider
• stir up
• weigh
• introduce
• talk out
• broach
• propound
• wrestle (with)
• hammer out
• thrash (out)
• deliberate
• forge
• chew over

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

Recent Examples of debate

Noun

Peverill Squire, a retired University of Missouri political science professor, previously predicted that voters would see a flood of ads on both sides of the income tax overhaul debate this election cycle. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

For Lloyd, the debate is not solely about Pulisic’s need to rest but about the fact the USMNT did not rise to the occasion. — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Verb

For much of the country, the 250th anniversary of independence on Saturday is a time for celebrating and debating the country’s birth. — Hillel Italie, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

On Monday, the Google parent popped almost 5% on its Dow debut as investors continued to debate the tech giant’s heavy artificial intelligence spending . — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 3 July 2026