deliberate 1 of 2

1
2

deliberate

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deliberate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of deliberate are intentional, voluntary, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

When is intentional a more appropriate choice than deliberate?

The meanings of intentional and deliberate largely overlap; however, intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When is it sensible to use voluntary instead of deliberate?

In some situations, the words voluntary and deliberate are roughly equivalent. However, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

Where would willing be a reasonable alternative to deliberate?

While the synonyms willing and deliberate are close in meaning, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

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 deliberate
Adjective
In a statement, Russia reiterated that its military operation did not target Polish territory and dismissed allegations of deliberate airspace violations. Amanda Castro shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025 Anu’s striking, deliberate style will peel away the layers our women hide behind. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
Now the practice has shifted from harmless free items to deliberate fraud. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The interview is one of countless media appearances Salzano has made, protecting and promoting her son's image at the time that officials in the Vatican deliberated on whether to progress the application for his sainthood. Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deliberate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate
Adjective
  • Maybe the slower, more considered pace of life is exactly what is required to create a more sustainable place, and a more sustainable future.
    Emma John, AFAR Media, 20 Aug. 2025
  • At a time where equality is treated as an imposition on the other, Claire’s careful and considered story feels more relevant than ever.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That means staying alert to how AI systems influence our thinking and making conscious choices about when and how to engage with them.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Sullivan believes Fruitist’s market opportunity is strong as consumers become more conscious about health and are willing to pay for premium products.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While vocal over the years about his aversion to sell, take on a business partner or publicly list the company, rumors about Armani contemplating forming a foundation first emerged in 2012.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Conducting compensation negotiations with a team is only one of relevant services contemplated by the SPAC.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In contrast, deliberative choices are seen as more calculated or logical.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • My character was a very calculated man, and to a degree even more so than Russell’s Göring and Mike’s Jackson, the latter of whom basically could have had an incredible career but with one of the bravest acts of humility, decided to go down another road and seek justice.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Code does not distinguish between voluntary and involuntary expatriation.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The 30-year-old accepted a voluntary provisional suspension on June 2, which will now expire on April 2, 2026 following the outcome of European football’s governing body.
    Colin Millar, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In her conversation with Interview, Peters pondered whether the next Great American Novelist could be trans.
    Grace Byron, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Here are some points to ponder over based on the insights from this emerging research.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As Platt reminds us, moving toward a healthier relationship with ownership means reclaiming our power by being intentional.
    Essence, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The researchers couldn’t fully separate the effects of intentional versus unintentional weight loss.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Even the assassination of political figures is not the same thing as just being shot in the throat for the crime of debating issues in the public square.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 13 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deliberate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!