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
Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
O’Neal gave his take prior to the Smith and Barkley debate.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
Crucially, however, the Spanish did not extend their reach into the Eastern Caribbean, for reasons still debated today.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
On Wednesday night, immediately after the final mayoral debate, the former governor and mayor were photographed sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden, fueling speculation of an incoming endorsement.
—Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
O’Neal gave his take prior to the Smith and Barkley debate.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
In person, Abbotoy’s affable, chatty, and eager to debate the finer points of political theory without raising his voice.
—David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
Crucially, however, the Spanish did not extend their reach into the Eastern Caribbean, for reasons still debated today.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
Each country chooses its own film to submit for Oscar consideration, and in Israel, the winner of best film at the Ophir Awards is automatically the country’s submission.—
Rebecca Keegan,
NBC news,
23 Oct. 2025
-
But some property owners have signed a petition opposing the initiative, which could keep it from going to the Common Council for consideration.—
Bridget Fogarty,
jsonline.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
His political director quit the two-month-old campaign, and the candidate apologized — but now Platner is taking a rare, risky approach by leaning into the controversy.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Appointments follow months of policy controversy The appointments mark the next step taken by Sumner County conservatives to pass the controversial policy, which has seen substantial pushback for First Amendment concerns.—
Angele Latham,
Nashville Tennessean,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The eyeball test says BYU and Cincinnati are legit good, and Texas Tech belongs in that same discussion.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Oct. 2025
-
And this model of access, dependent on negotiation and renegotiation and repeated discussions about individual items, is neither sustainable nor capable of delivering aid at the scale that is needed.—
Anna Halford,
Time,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Athletic’s Mike Jones recently wondered if Miami had to go on a postseason run to save McDaniel’s job, and CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz pondered during the Chiefs-Raiders game whether there would soon be news out of Miami.—
Zac Jackson,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Charles Lee pondered his answer for a split second.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Since Olympic charter flights to Milan will be departing from the New York area, and because the Islanders had been promised an event in February 2026, the possibility of doing a big press availability was discussed as an alternative.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Elsewhere in the podcast, Shallow discusses her penchant for using femininity and flirtation as reality TV weapons, and how that nickname cast a shadow on her real-life relationships.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In response, Lien rescinded her censure motion and asked for the council to have deliberations there.—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Earlier alterations were made incrementally, and only after much deliberation.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Arenas has since said the dispute started over a game of bourré.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The dispute has largely remained peaceful so far.—
Omar S Mahmood,
Time,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
During his first Zoom consultation with clients, Perri always asked them to share their story.—
Rustin Dodd,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
After corresponding with Hallidie, Gillham invited him to Kansas City for a consultation in 1879.—
Michael Wells,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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