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
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
-
Exit planning is a complex journey that requires careful consideration of personal, financial and business factors.—
Scott Snider,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
But the once-inconceivable consideration of tax increases underscores the tricky task that Republicans have in meeting competing demands from fiscal hawks, moderates and tax slashers for the ambitious party-line bill — as well as the rise of populist instincts in the party.—
Emily Brooks,
The Hill,
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
-
Once the news of her pending nuptials to ex-professional snowboarder Shaun White hit, inquiring minds were quick to ponder what her bridal beauty prep and wedding makeup looks might entail.—
Jessica Ourisman,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Exploring themes of empty consumerism, social isolation, and toxic masculinity before that phrase entered the cultural lexicon, American Psycho gives the audience a lot to ponder in addition to operating as an entertaining horror film.—
Johnny Loftus,
EW.com,
14 Apr. 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
-
The Vultures artist also spent a good amount of time discussing bosses using their power to take advantage of employees.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
While deliberations of the Council will be mostly behind closed doors, the Parliament uses a more open legislative process.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Stermer was found guilty after seven hours of deliberation, according to WWMT.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
No arrests were made, and there was no further investigation into the dispute.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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