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
Now, those choices are reshaping national debates over who holds power on campus and what higher education should protect. Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 The quote quickly ricocheted across news outlets, igniting headlines and debates about the economic future of billions. Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
Software engineers continue to debate the merits of each on various Reddit threads and forums. Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 4 June 2025 On the latest episode of The Totally Football Show, James Richardson was joined by Duncan Alexander, Daniel Storey and Tim Spiers to debate whether this PSG side could dominate European football for years to come. The Totally Football Show, New York Times, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
  • There is also the consideration that some people may completely change their diet from omnivore to vegetarian or vegetarian to omnivore.
    Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025
  • However, there are some considerations: Some people may be allergic to zinc oxide.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Read Next Before payment controversy, Chief Johnny Jennings made progressive strides at CMPD June 6, 2025 11:23 AM This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
    Maia Nehme, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
  • At the heart of the controversy over Iran’s nuclear program is its enrichment of uranium – a process used to produce fuel for power plants that, at higher levels, can also be used to make a nuclear bomb.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Lawyers specializing in open government law told the Star-Telegram that the board likely violated the Texas Open Meetings Act with that closed-door discussion.
    Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2025
  • As Rodgers settles in out in Pittsburgh, the veteran quarterback was recently asked about his past discussions with the Giants.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Tyler Dragon ponders if Rodgers actually makes the Steelers better.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • The cuts come as Warner Bros. Discovery is said to be pondering a possible spinoff of its declining cable TV assets, which include its Turner channels, Discovery Networks, HGTV and Food Network, similar to what Comcast is doing with its NBCUniversal cable outlets (with the exception of Bravo).
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Now seems like a good time to look at each one and discuss the highlights of the different articles, player options and plug in rules on display in each.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Hegseth planned to appear before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee alongside Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, and acting Pentagon Comptroller Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell to discuss the administration's upcoming 2026 budget request.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Closing arguments in the retrial wrapped on Wednesday, and jury deliberations began on Thursday.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 6 June 2025
  • But Farber said that the discussions the juror described did not rise to the level of misconduct, but were typical, heated deliberations by a jury.
    Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Phan was convicted of shooting up a high school graduation party after a dispute, killing an 18-year-old and a 15-year-old.
    Greg Wehner , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
  • Officials from the United States and China met in London to talk about a range of different disputes that are separating them.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Bowman said the city worked in consultation with Oregon Justice Resource Center, a civil rights law firm, to minimize harm.
    K. Rambo, ProPublica, 11 June 2025
  • The first is that the right-leaning government, which took office in November 2023, threw out 35 climate policies, including a clean car discount and a fund for investing in decarbonizing industries, without proper public consultation.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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