Thesaurus results for DEBATER

debater

noun

Definition of debater

as in disputant

a person who takes part in a dispute the debater was unable to come up with a convincing rebuttal for his opponent's argument

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 debater The accomplishments of athletes are every bit as impressive and legitimate as those of dancers, debaters, and oboists. — Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026 Research has previously shown that AI models can be extremely persuasive, more so than even the best human salespeople or debaters. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 Personal laptops allow debaters to research, organize evidence and prepare for tournaments during free periods. — Kavin Bendre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 The debaters themselves hold the incentive to say extreme statements to become a viral clip as well. — Vriti Shah, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026 For instance, perhaps a student’s Activities List includes four years as a competitive debater, a part-time job choreographing for a local dance studio, and a long-running hobby restoring vintage radios. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Both were part of Richmond’s circle, and both were ready to debate an idea without deleting the debater. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 Not focusing on data can drive a traditional debater crazy. — Lisa Pavia-Higel, The Conversation, 27 May 2026 Porter is a talented debater but seemed overly defensive about her past hot temper. — George Skelton, Mercury News, 14 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debater

Noun

The Jay Treaty asked the disputants merely to start a process leading to the appointment of arbitrators qualified to decide their disputes fairly and finally.

— Tom Bell, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
The audience and actor are like disputants kept in different rooms, forbidden to see each other fully.

— Jesse Green, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Definition of disputant

Noun

Both Seaver and his company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services LLC, are the defendants in the lawsuit.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
At Wednesday’s hearing, Paul described Niembro as the most culpable of the four defendants and Ramirez as second, while acknowledging that Ramirez’s cooperation justified a significantly shorter sentence.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of defendant

Noun

These questions are playing out now in court, where plaintiffs like the Engels are seeking damages from drugmakers.

— Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026
The plaintiffs are challenging NCAA rules that effectively limited high school class of 2022 athletes who had not redshirted to four seasons — while allowing five seasons for later classes.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of plaintiff

Noun

Earlier this week, Yemen's military said its forces had uprooted Houthi fighters from the areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a Red Sea shipping chokepoint, and the port city of Mocha.

— Frank Andrews, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
That month, around 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, and three Russian fighter jets crossed into Estonian airspace before being shot down and chased out, respectively, by NATO forces.

— Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of fighter

Noun

While traditional family recipes and regional specialities are at the heart of the competition, contestants are pushed outside their comfort zones through challenges inspired by fine dining, street food and international cuisines.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
On the other side of that, there can be some negative talk too, some frustrated fans who think other contestants should still be there.

— Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of contestant

Noun

Hosted by comedian and disability advocate Tina Friml, the Darcys awarded Geri Jewell with the Legacy Award and Vincent Rutley with the Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent Award.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
The shortfall in support begins with managers, often the first advocate anyone has in their career.

— Anna Maria Chavez, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of advocate

Noun

Willis is a clear scrapper who can really move.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
Bastian Schweinsteiger — winger in 2006, classy playmaker in 2010 and midfield scrapper in the final here — returned to full fitness midway through the tournament and also played a key role.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2026

Definition of scrapper

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“Debater.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debater. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of debater

noun

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