1
as in deliberations
a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something
after much debate, I decided to get the chocolate ice cream
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in controversies
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discussions
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
1
as in studies
to give serious and careful thought to
still debating what to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discusses
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debates
Anna Heim, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
But in between the cutting insults, the two have had gritty policy debates and have each managed to thoroughly articulate their platforms to New Jersey voters.
—Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2025
For example, Amodio notes that during elections there is a significant increase in media coverage, political ads, social media debates and conversations.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025
The question of how to manage Indiana's forests sparks some of the livelier and more contentious debates among local environmentalists.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 29 Oct. 2025
The outcome of the race could significantly influence not only the future of New York City governance, but also set a tone for national debates over progressive policy and federal-local relations.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
The Forest Lake school board, which is split 4-3, has drawn attention because of its recent debates over whether to remove a dress code ban on swastikas, the KKK and the Confederate flag.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
His tenure as mayor was during a tumultuous time, as debates over diversity, equity and inclusion drew national attention.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2025
Interested in more science debates?
—Berly McCoy, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025
Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
And now, many financial advisors are watching as Congress debates Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies amid the government shutdown.
—Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Hashmi, who flipped a suburban Richmond seat in 2019 to become the first Muslim woman elected to the Virginia Senate, has not committed to any lieutenant governor debates this cycle.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
In a third scene, the group debates what to do.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025
The world often debates climate change in the language of science and economics.
—Feleti Penitala Teo, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
Al-Shaibani met with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle as Congress debates whether to repeal comprehensive sanctions on Syria, levied under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025
As the Fed debates its next move, remember that Warren Buffett isn’t trying to guess tomorrow’s stock chart.
—Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
In the second episode, which premiered on August 6, Cartman imitates Kirk with a podcast and debates college students.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
Vilnius also actively encourages people to engage with policy debates and to participate in civic life through citizen assemblies.
—Anna Heim, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
But in between the cutting insults, the two have had gritty policy debates and have each managed to thoroughly articulate their platforms to New Jersey voters.
—Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2025
For example, Amodio notes that during elections there is a significant increase in media coverage, political ads, social media debates and conversations.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025
The question of how to manage Indiana's forests sparks some of the livelier and more contentious debates among local environmentalists.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 29 Oct. 2025
The outcome of the race could significantly influence not only the future of New York City governance, but also set a tone for national debates over progressive policy and federal-local relations.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
The Forest Lake school board, which is split 4-3, has drawn attention because of its recent debates over whether to remove a dress code ban on swastikas, the KKK and the Confederate flag.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
His tenure as mayor was during a tumultuous time, as debates over diversity, equity and inclusion drew national attention.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2025
Interested in more science debates?
—Berly McCoy, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
Columbia University has found itself in major First Amendment debates − on and off campus.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
And now, many financial advisors are watching as Congress debates Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies amid the government shutdown.
—Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Hashmi, who flipped a suburban Richmond seat in 2019 to become the first Muslim woman elected to the Virginia Senate, has not committed to any lieutenant governor debates this cycle.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
In a third scene, the group debates what to do.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025
The world often debates climate change in the language of science and economics.
—Feleti Penitala Teo, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
Al-Shaibani met with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle as Congress debates whether to repeal comprehensive sanctions on Syria, levied under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025
As the Fed debates its next move, remember that Warren Buffett isn’t trying to guess tomorrow’s stock chart.
—Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
In the second episode, which premiered on August 6, Cartman imitates Kirk with a podcast and debates college students.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debates
Noun
-
The verdict against Sean Grayson, 31, arrived on the second day of deliberations.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Lobbying expenditures from firms linked to the Chinese PLA have intensified as deliberations in Congress have progressed surrounding the National Defense Authorization Act, an annual piece of legislation designed to fund America’s military and deal broadly with national security matters.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But the monarch had no choice – Andrew’s controversies have been dogging the family for years and the publication of his accuser’s posthumous memoir was the final straw.—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
-
With accusations, online feuds, emotional exits, and pointed jabs traded between professional dancers and contestants, the series has seen a wave of controversies that have captivated fans.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In contrast, outgoing chief Jennings has remained out of public eye in recent months as the city has grappled with these discussions.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Billboard reached out to several stations’ programming and music directors to seek comment on the song, artist and surrounding industry discussions, but none replied to our inquiries.—
Trevor Anderson,
Billboard,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In Galaxy Mapper, author Allie Summers and illustrator Sian James introduce readers to French astrophysicist Hélène Courtois, a working scientist who studies cosmography, or mapping the observable universe.—
Caroline Carlson,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Michael Scott Fischer, an assistant professor at the University of Miami who studies rapid intensification, told me that evidence is emerging that rates of rapid intensification are becoming more extreme and that the phenomenon is occurring more frequently.—
Sara Sneath,
The Atlantic,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In the video, Grinblat discusses Ball's height, which is 6-foot-7.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
-
In an interview with WWD, Khalifa Bin Braik, chief executive officer of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, discusses the strategic thinking behind the transformation as well as the company’s ambitious plans and where the future of retail lies.—
Ritu Upadhyay,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Practical considerations stack up, too.—
Sophie Benson,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
-
But one of the simplest, most personal considerations is whether, and how, having a child will affect a person’s quality of life.—
Anthony Vaccaro,
Scientific American,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
According to him, advances in machine learning have yanked questions once trapped inside theological/philosophical disputations into corporate board packs.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In instances of severe infestation, insecticides or professional consultations are also recommended.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The company also maintains a permanent outpost in London and offers virtual consultations.—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debates. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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