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

First elected in 2017, Lyles became one of the city’s longest-serving mayors in a period marked by rapid development and population growth, major debates over transit, policing, affordable housing and government transparency. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026

Spencer Pratt, the former reality TV star turned Los Angeles mayoral hopeful, is coming off a busy week in the headlines thanks to his participation in a debate and his sharing of conversation-stirring videos in support of his candidacy. —Paris Barraza, USA Today, 8 May 2026

Verb

The exchanges grew increasingly heated as Pratt repeatedly attacked Raman’s homelessness proposals, prompting Raman to accuse Pratt and Bass of focusing more on attacking her than debating one another. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 7 May 2026

Those in the media also debate where accountability lies for minimizing harm—with the media practitioners, with regulators, with parents, or with the public (as consumers or citizens). —Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026