deliberation

noun

di-ˌli-bə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deliberation (audio)
Definition of deliberationnext
1
as in consideration
a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something gave the matter full deliberation before reaching a decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue there was a great deal of deliberation among the representatives about the wording of the public statement

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 deliberation The council has previously restricted her ability to participate in council deliberations, and the mayor has sued the city in federal court. — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026 Once sequestered, jurors are not allowed any contact with the outside world and - unlike in many US jurisdictions - their deliberations must remain confidential. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026 Lopez has recused himself from the City Council’s recent discussions on the city’s strained municipal court, and Shields, as mayor pro tem, had been running deliberations on the topic in his absence. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026 In a statement on Friday, Dersonvil said that during deliberations other jurors cut off his attempts to discuss theories about the case, as The New York Times reports. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deliberation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberation
  1. consideration
  2. discussion
  3. consultation
  4. debate
  5. consult
Noun
  • One theory focuses on political considerations — that extending the deportation reprieve could have made the administration appear weak on immigration to its conservative base, just ahead of next month’s consequential midterm election.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Iowa doesn’t have a blemish on its record, and a strong game here might give them future consideration for the College Football Playoffs.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of consideration
Noun
  • Advertisement In many circles, the first mention of climate policy in the EU tends to be a discussion about backtracking.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • More Before lawmakers departed Washington to focus on campaigning ahead of the November elections, AI companies were still in active discussions on Capitol Hill.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of discussion
Noun
  • To address those inequities, the bill required financial assistance to tribes, protection of tribal uses and more consultation on water projects.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Every stay is bespoke, but the latter include a one-hour consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor in order to prescribe an itinerary comprising daily spa, fitness and rituals.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of consultation
Noun
  • The White House move is unfolding against a far darker debate over where the technology is headed.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Early on, there’s a moment that foreshadows what the real debate is (or should be).
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • Complimentary fitness classes, one-on-one personal training, nutrition consults, Pilates, breathing classes, and flow yoga are among many other options.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Morgan Shipley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
    — Morgan Shipley, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of consult

Browse Nearby Words

deliberating
deliberation
deliberations
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Cite this Entry

“Deliberation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberation. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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