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Definition of deliberatenext
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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
Anointing this pair of films came across like a deliberate choice. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026 Known for maintaining privacy despite Walters’ international fame from projects like Top Boy, their relationship reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize family and stability. Essence, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
Jurors deliberated for about four hours. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026 But he was also quickly impeached following wrangling with opposition lawmakers over his refusal to fill vacant seats at the Constitutional Court, which was deliberating whether to formally throw Yoon out of office. CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deliberate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate
Adjective
  • Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850, with scores of around 670 and higher considered good.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025
  • Still, others are happiest at a considered farm stay or upstate hideaway, where the pleasure lies in quiet mornings and befriending animals on the farm.
    Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Banfield said his wife, still conscious at the time, directed him to apply pressure to her wounds to slow the bleeding.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Amanda Askell, Anthropic’s in-house philosopher, is sounding pretty conflicted about whether AI models can be conscious and have feelings.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But the new documents show that the school has been contemplating the possibility of a move for more than a year.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
  • After contemplating very deeply and carefully for many long hours attempting to discern a plausible alternative explanation for the rhetoric and the policies, what is the only thing that a reasonable person can conclude?
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • An investor looks at the risks, looks at the rewards, and makes a calculated decision.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Belichick's strict, calculated approach to player management was a defining quality that yielded New England six Super Bowl trophies and nine appearances under the coach's leadership from 2000-2023.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Gerardo Magallanes, who was also charged for the same crime, was sentenced to 24 years and eight months in prison on a voluntary manslaughter charge, according to court records.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Based on the recent agreements that brought 14 of the 17 largest drugmakers into voluntary pricing arrangements with the administration, most are likely to continue to follow the second path.
    Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Take the time to ponder outdated habits or emotional scars.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Advertisement China has long pondered surgical strikes against Taiwan’s leadership, though any such move is likely to be self-defeating, given the island is a sustained democracy.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • The ledger is the foundation of reasoned conclusion.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The actions of Canadian coach Joe Cecchini and Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton were intentional and deliberately aimed at reducing the points available.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The government’s violence and hate is intentional.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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