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
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Recent Examples of debate
Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2025
To that point, in the last week of Joe Biden’s presidency, federal agencies entered the college sports legal debate without an accompanying executive order.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 July 2025
Juliet Izon, Vogue, 22 July 2025
Actually, complaints about European allies failing to spend more on defense date back to debate over goals established in 1952 at a conference in Lisbon Portugal.
—Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
The younger Biden talked about the debate between Joe Biden and Trump several times throughout his interviews with Callaghan and Harrison.
—Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2025
To that point, in the last week of Joe Biden’s presidency, federal agencies entered the college sports legal debate without an accompanying executive order.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
This is not the moment for debating whether to buy into low-rise jeans (again)—but does that mean you’re forbidden from caring about fashion?
—Juliet Izon, Vogue, 22 July 2025
Actually, complaints about European allies failing to spend more on defense date back to debate over goals established in 1952 at a conference in Lisbon Portugal.
—Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
Whether individual owners can capitalize on these opportunities depends on their specific circumstances and business approach, but the industry trends and financial data make a compelling case for serious consideration.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
23 July 2025
-
The high court ruled unanimously Davis' case can proceed, remanding it back to Wayne County Circuit Court for consideration.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
What To Know An Atlas Intel poll of 1,935 Americans conducted amid the heat of the Epstein controversy, between July 13 and 18, found that Bondi's approval rating has dropped significantly since she was confirmed in February.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
-
Taylor Swift's surprise mural appearance and the controversy surrounding the sale of her masters to Scooter Braun added to the city's buzz.—
Bryan West,
Nashville Tennessean,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
Leadership Commitment When managers champion financial well-being alongside total rewards discussions and career development conversations, financial literacy and security stop being side topics.—
Marthin De Beer,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
In a news release announcing their plans for the bridge's final closure and demolition, officials said the decision came after extensive discussion.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
The Rafael Devers blockbuster is probably the biggest deal that will go down, but the temptation is there to ponder other earthshaking possibilities, no matter how remote.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
-
Viewing the team’s three-year stint here as an audition of sorts, officials have pondered if the local enthusiasm for baseball could help prove the Sacramento region as a welcome home for MLB.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
In text exchanges presented in court, Karina and her alleged lover are seen discussing having a family together and undergoing IVF treatment, The Gazette and COURT TV reported.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
There’s a lot of humor used as the co-hosts discuss current events and rail against liberal reaction to them.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
After only a few hours of deliberation, the jury ruled in Hogan’s favor, awarding him $115 million in compensatory damages and an additional $25 million in punitive damages, for a total of $140 million.—
Chris Morris,
Fortune,
24 July 2025
-
In its deliberations, the court was asked to answer two questions: What obligations do states have to ensure the protection of the climate for present and future generations?—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
But there are still some sour grapes about the big tactical dispute in February.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
14 July 2025
-
Threads on the South Park subreddit and social media have lit up with foul-mouthed complaints from international fans, most of them directed at Paramount and David Ellison’s Skydance Media, whose $8 billion buyout of Paramount is at the heart of the South Park dispute.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
During a 10-week consultation, the couple were given a sheet with statistics about what their life could be like if Jenner carried the four babies to term.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
-
Browse through the hundreds of orchid varieties in their greenhouse or schedule a consultation for a custom arrangement with designer Irene Cherchuck.—
Brennan Long,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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