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deliberate

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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
Di Costanzo says the mix of languages was a deliberate ploy. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 The deliberate display of unity is a pointed rebuke to Trump’s faltering attempt to end Russia’s war in Ukraine – and an open challenge to America’s waning global leadership under the US president. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
All members would deliberate, although only five of the presidents would vote in an annual rotation. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2025 The tension builds as the approaching dog gets closer, its every movement deliberate, as though sneaking up in a playful ambush. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 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
  • That same year the Clippers and Aspiration signed deals that contemplated a $300 million partnership for Aspiration to sponsor the Clippers’ arena and the team’s jersey patch.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The film’s title carries particular significance for Yoon, who has been contemplating it for 15 years.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 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
  • Falwell sued for invasion of privacy, libel and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Like most extended car warranty providers, CarShield excludes pre-existing conditions that existed before your warranty took effect, as well as damage resulting from poor maintenance, neglect or intentional abuse.
    Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The students in the club participated in National History Day, a competition where students present a topic of their interest, and the YMCA Youth and Government Program’s Model Legislative Session, where students debate bills at the Arizona Capitol.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Trials make disputes public, and jury trials allow citizens to debate the issues and return verdicts that reflect their community.
    Richard Lorren Jolly, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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