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
While there’s broad agreement that mirror organisms such as bacteria should not be created, there’s much debate over what — if any — limits to investigating mirror biology should exist. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025 The New York City mayoral debate went by largely without incident, ending hopes from Zohran Mamdani’s opponents of a major gaffe that could dent his campaign momentum. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
Qerim won a lot of respect, including from ESPN staffers, with her knack for calmly reining in Smith and the voluble personalities debating him. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025 Kirk, who would have turned 32 on Tuesday, was assassinated at Utah Valley University while debating college students. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
  • Notwithstanding this criticism, though, there is still a growing view within Delhi that foreign policy should be pragmatic and driven by interests rather than ethical considerations.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Good manners involves consideration for others, which sometimes means not spending too much time thinking about their behavior.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her participation had already sparked controversy due to her past ballroom experience.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The bill became a source of controversy in the Golden State, with celebrity chefs among those who rallied against the cookware ban, while environmental and health activists have argued for it.
    Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Participants will explore the magical interplay between the universe and the human body, diving into discussions about creation, consciousness, and how the cosmos mirrors the infinite potential of the human mind.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The decision, announced Friday, was made in close consultation with Britain’s King Charles III, who is believed to be glad at the outcome, while Prince William and other members of the royal family were also consulted on the discussions, CNN understands.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Entering his first full offseason, Seidler may want to ponder a comment made a few years ago by Peter Seidler, his late brother.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Oct. 2025
  • In the book, Keaton reflected on modern standards of beauty, pondering the societal obsession with how things look.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But sources told Fortune that these cuts are being discussed differently internally than the typical URA process.
    Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • At this year’s Latin Music Week, multiple companies will offer their expertise and their artists to discuss new philosophies and actions to develop artists for the long term.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After more than two days of deliberation, the foreperson read the verdict, starting with the charges of special-circumstances murder/robbery.
    Joe Garcia, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
  • When jurors came forward with concerns, Farber was strict about respecting the sanctity of deliberations and cautioned them not to discuss the content or tenor of jury room discussions, transcripts show.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Musk later cited the pay dispute as part of the reason why Tesla shifted its corporate home to Texas from Delaware.
    Kara Carlson, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s how a community dispute escalated into a deadly tragedy.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • My masseuse began with a consultation to assess my pain points and specific areas of focus before 60 minutes of pure relaxation ensued.
    Essence, Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Currently in development, the project will incorporate materials from the Peace Foundation’s archives alongside expert consultations and research into Chinese market dynamics and audience preferences.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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