DELIBERATE Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

deliberate 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈli-bə-rət

Definition of deliberate

as in considered

decided on as a result of careful thought the judge made a deliberate decision to impose the maximum sentence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in conscious

made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing a deliberate act of vandalism that should not go unpunished

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deliberate

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈli-bə-ˌrāt

as in to contemplate

to give serious and careful thought to the jury deliberated the case for three days before returning a verdict

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Related movements like slowmaxxing, which encourages a deliberate slowing of routines and meals, have gained traction as a response to productivity culture. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 Heavy-duty mechanical hinges connect titanium-alloy limbs to a protective casing of carbon fiber, enabling smooth, deliberate strides on brutish red legs. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 July 2026

Verb

Immediately after the prosecutor finished his closing argument, the judge found Broadwater guilty without leaving the bench to deliberate. — ProPublica, 14 July 2026 The Chula Vista jury needed just a single day — about five hours — to deliberate after a trial that lasted seven weeks and featured testimony from more than 60 witnesses. — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deliberate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate

Adjective

Others have a tight, considered design, especially the islands meant to highlight a specific weapon or gadget.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026
Six others are still at large and considered fugitives, including a Caracas TV network mogul who was close to the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and his successor, Nicolás Maduro, who is being held in a New York jail on federal drug charges.

— Jay Weaver July 21, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Definition of considered

Verb

James did indeed contemplate retirement after the Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.

— David Aldridge, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Because of these problems, the Federal Reserve is contemplating leaving the check processing business.

— Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

Definition of contemplate

Adjective

Per Le Monde, these initiatives were driven by a calculated desire to showcase his power, seize marketing opportunities, and declare tax deductions.

— Devorah Lauter for ARTNews, Robb Report, 29 July 2026
While this strategic pivot defers short-term revenue and creates market uncertainty, with full returns anticipated by 2027, it's seen as a calculated gamble to build a larger future revenue stream and expand its competitive edge.

— Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of calculated

Verb

Whether Wesneski’s return will be enough to bolster one of baseball’s worst rotations is a question general manager Dana Brown must ponder across the next two weeks.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 July 2026
First, ponder crowded housing, a signal of affordability stress, as the share of families living with other families.

— Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 23 July 2026

Definition of ponder

Adjective

None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.

— Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026

Definition of reasoned

Adjective

California officials have disputed that idea, explaining that the state's home care program has grown because of an intentional strategy to keep people out of more expensive nursing homes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
However, intentional recovery, through activities like hobbies and psychological detachment, is vital.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of intentional

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“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of deliberate

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verb

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