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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
In fact, the settlement outlines a deliberate, thorough transition process designed to minimize disruption and ensure a good fit for each resident. Lisa Seminara, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2025 Such a method is needed in order to understand African Americans’ deliberate retooling of British literature, drawing attention to the systemic social forces at play as well as the minute mechanisms of textual appropriation. Abby Clayton, JSTOR Daily, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
Courts can rule, the media and civil society can truthfully report and analyze, and federalism can offer sufficient respite for Americans of all views to deliberate and vote in elections to come. Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025 The jury in the case deliberated for just three hours before returning the guilty verdict against Kingston and Turner late last month. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 15 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
  • The victim, a man in his 20s, was alert and conscious and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, Boisvert said.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025
  • First responders arrived at the scene around 10:03 a.m. to find Joseph conscious and alert, the sheriff's office said.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To see why, contemplate a recent Wall Street Journal headline concerning Meta.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Google had contemplated deals with Android phone makers such as Samsung that would provide exclusivity for not only its search app, but also for its Gemini AI app and Chrome browser, according to a document shown at trial.
    Jody Godoy, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Podcasts are also a calculated method of introducing lawmakers to everyday listeners.
    Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025
  • More than calculated maneuvering, something about Bieber’s latest posts seems more like a private affinity finally being made public.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Washington Post reports that the Office of Personnel Management basically told HR officials across the government that the emails are voluntary and that the agency didn't plan to do anything with the emails that were submitted.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The 49ers’ voluntary offseason program got underway Tuesday, while the trio named above awaits contract extensions befitting their status as underpaid leaders on a franchise in flux.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Asking this question encourages employees to pause and ponder.
    Rachel Pacheco, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Gibson ponders Indigeneity, belonging, modern music and a more equitable future across the exhibit’s paintings, sculptures, flags and video installation.
    Alia Yee Noll, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • This discipline of separating fact from opinion is needed to turn reactive patterns into intentional awareness.
    William Jones, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Arkansas 6, Florida 0 — Middle 5th Inning The Razorbacks loaded the bases with a hit batsman, error and intentional walk, and Kuhio Aloy made the Gators pay with a 2-run, 1-out RBI single.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His remarks come as House Republicans continue to debate key elements of the package, including Medicaid funding and the state and local tax deduction.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • Though Republicans had the numbers to advance the measure, Democrats drew out the markup by debating more than 20 amendments that touched mostly on Hegseth.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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