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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
That integrated strategy also informed a deliberate shift this year. Kasi Martin, Sourcing Journal, 9 July 2025 One thing that the film and play misrepresent is the circumstances of Scopes' arrest, which was a deliberate test case to challenge the Tennessee law outlawing the teaching of evolution. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 8 July 2025
Verb
The jury is back in the courtroom deliberating Wednesday morning. Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 The jurors deliberated for more than 13 hours before announcing their split decision. Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for deliberate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate
Adjective
  • Read more Dua and Callum’s Couple Style Is, Like Them, Hot Turner’s low-key but considered looks are the perfect backdrop to his girlfriend’s more mercurial wardrobe.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Working from Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay, Jenkins tries to allay a clunky narrative with his intimate and considered style.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But neighbors have raised concerns about whether the company will handle demolition in a safe and environmentally conscious way.
    Lily Carey, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2025
  • Baseball bats aren't the only thing Colt is good at picking up, and he could be considered environmentally conscious.
    Liliana Fannin, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • While Leslie’s book is largely about Lennon, McCartney and their fruitful collaborations, contemplate what George Harrison became.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Wright decided to come out after contemplating suicide in 2006.
    Jeff Nelson, People.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Others may receive information and make calculated risks based on circumstances or motivated reasoning.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Though charismatic, Will Derringer, as the US President, is at times very much oblivious to how to run a nation, while Sam Clarke is very calculated, calm, and strategic when their backs are against the wall.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Viewers and listeners of PBS and NPR are significantly more affluent than the average American, which gives them the means to support public broadcasting through voluntary contributions.
    The Editors, National Review, 14 July 2025
  • On June 9, Alma Pak International LLC announced a voluntary recall of 400 boxes of its organic blueberries due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 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
Adjective
  • From staying focused on real problems to designing flexible business models, small but intentional decisions along the way to launch can make all the difference.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Visually speaking, Loudon says layered rugs make a patio feel finished and intentional.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Senate leaders from both parties continue to debate possible amendments and the broader implications for U.S. spending and free expression.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • These criteria represent one interpretation of best practices; mental health professionals sometimes debate the optimal response to crisis situations, with some favoring immediate intervention and others prioritizing rapport-building.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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