1
as in consideration
a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something
after much debate, I decided to get the chocolate ice cream
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in controversy
variance of opinion on a matter
there was a great deal of debate over the need for cutting costs by eliminating some programs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
there was no debate over the expenditures before the vote
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to ponder
to give serious and careful thought to
still debating what to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to discuss
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
we debated the advantages versus the disadvantages of the proposed waterfront development
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of debate
Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
The current debates regarding DEI initiatives suggest that brands’ social stances might impact the bottom line.
—Haniya Rae, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2025
With a knowledgeable, driver-centric enthusiast base ready to debate any change to the 911 ad infinitum, putting a hybrid engine in the car was an enormous risk.
—Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
Following their return to Earth, the crew — the first female space light in six decades — was met with increasing debate about the short flight.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
The current debates regarding DEI initiatives suggest that brands’ social stances might impact the bottom line.
—Haniya Rae, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
And Just Like That … Club, our subscriber-exclusive newsletter obsessing over, dissecting, and debating everything about season three.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2025
With a knowledgeable, driver-centric enthusiast base ready to debate any change to the 911 ad infinitum, putting a hybrid engine in the car was an enormous risk.
—Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
Suddenly, race isn’t a consideration in the celebration of a player who was, for years, excluded from Major League Baseball because of his race.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2025
-
The Endangered Species Act is a key regulatory consideration for agencies when considering whether to grant permits for oil and gas, mining, electric transmission and other operations on federal lands and water.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Up next, a ubiquitous presence on television, unafraid of controversy, sounding off on everything from sports to pop culture to politics.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2025
-
The sort-of antagonist in The Last of Us Part II first stirred up controversy when the game originally debuted in 2020.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In a new Good Hang podcast discussion with Abbott Elementary's Quinta Brunson, Poehler discussed developing Leslie as a character ahead of the show's 2009 pilot episode, right down to the strikingly blonde hair on her head and what that said about the character at the time.—
Joey Nolfi,
EW.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
During the discussions, hitting coaches Troy Snitker and Alex Cintrón encouraged Smith to get more into his legs and start his swing quicker, hoping the 22-year-old phenom could drive the baseball with more authority.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Fans took to the comments to both praise and ponder Trainor's new look.—
Tracy Wright,
Fox News,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Today, train stops are preserved with wooden shelters with picnic tables, encouraging hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to stop to ponder the trail’s rich railroad history.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
It is not believed to be on the agenda at its quarterly meetings in Zimbabwe from April 11-13, but likely to be discussed, perhaps informally.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Howell discussed the increasing strain on Hollywood producers.—
Lauren Coates,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
My wife doesn’t have time for corporate politics or endless deliberation.—
Gully Flowers,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
-
The State Department declined on Thursday afternoon to comment on the deliberations.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA TODAY,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
No arrests were made, and there was no further investigation into the dispute.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Approach with caution, look at reviews, and maybe don’t use your main credit card (or at least keep your bank’s dispute line handy).—
Francesca Krempa,
StyleCaster,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Your piercer will give you a quick consultation to discuss options, possible concerns, and the best jewelry to suit your navel, then direct you to get comfortable on the piercing table.—
Marianne Mychaskiw,
Allure,
9 Apr. 2025
-
City said the decision came following a consultation meeting with fan engagement group City Matters, and related to general-admission season tickets and Premier League match-by-match tickets.—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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