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
Thompson was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, unlawful carrying of a handgun and a gun enhancement, but Senior Judge Kathleen Lang only had jurors deliberate on the murder charge. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025 Was it caused by a flaw in engineering or processing, or was this the result of deliberate sabotage? Michael Petros, The Conversation, 7 May 2025
Verb
Some expressed confidence in the number advantage, some deliberated their strategies and others expressed certainty that the gorilla would win. Angela Yang, NBC news, 1 May 2025 The last thing Vancouver would want is to take a long time deliberating on an ideal target, only for that coach to get scooped up by another club first. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deliberate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate
Adjective
  • Read more Dua and Callum’s Couple Style Is, Like Them, Hot Turner’s low-key but considered looks are the perfect backdrop to his girlfriend’s more mercurial wardrobe.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Working from Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay, Jenkins tries to allay a clunky narrative with his intimate and considered style.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Most others are exploring their options on incentives and examining if this is the right path to take. Future of Work – new patterns, new challenges, new opportunities In some policy areas, like International Tax Reform, change has been driven by conscious political decisions.
    Amanda Tickel, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The boy was found alert and conscious, officials said, according to local ABC affiliate WJLA.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • While in high school, Ham contemplated becoming a priest and would spend a weekend each month at a nearby seminary to discern his faith.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • Tessa's contemplating a major move for her career while her estranged addict father forces his way back into her life.
    Megan Vick, EW.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • His rejection of this initiative is a calculated risk that may already be paying off.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
  • What begins as a calculated attempt to improve his parole prospects evolves into a deeply personal connection with another prisoner, reframing the protagonist’s understanding of dignity, responsibility, and redemption.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • First, the team worked with cat owners to obtain voluntary samples.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Court and prison records show Yarbrough was convicted for voluntary manslaughter for shooting dead Thomas Karins on Dec. 31, 1981, in Gary.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • That could also come into play as Dungey and her team ponder more comedies on TBS and another tentpole drama for TNT.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • While Malibu leaders ponder the future, the state of most of the septic systems along PCH remains a mystery.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • But Dhillon said the Biden administration wrongly attributed disparities in the treatment of racial minorities with intentional discrimination.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The series opener got physical with Carolina dishing some dirty on an elbow to the head of Cats goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and Brad Marchand taking an intentional puck from Shayne Gostisbehere.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The House Ways and Means Committee debated House Republicans' broad tax plan.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Social Media Reacts Posters on the Reddit forum r/TSA debated whether people should have been prepared for the change.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 25 May. 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!