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
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 debate
James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025
The film, which won big at the Golden Globes, was previously embroiled in controversy over its use of artificial intelligence in dialect, with Corbet giving an assertive defense of his performers amid the debate.
—Sandra Gonzalez, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Michelle Fox, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
But iron oxides come in many flavors, and the exact chemistry of Martian rust has been intensely debated, the study reports.
—Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
Simultaneously, the Russian intelligentsia was in a debate about the empire’s soul.
—James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025
The film, which won big at the Golden Globes, was previously embroiled in controversy over its use of artificial intelligence in dialect, with Corbet giving an assertive defense of his performers amid the debate.
—Sandra Gonzalez, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
On Thursday, the S & P 500 slipped in volatile trading as investors debated President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the health of the U.S. economy after a series of reports that showed some softness.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
But iron oxides come in many flavors, and the exact chemistry of Martian rust has been intensely debated, the study reports.
—Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
Bellas said the parks department would take Thursday’s public comments into consideration.—
Emma Hall,
Sacramento Bee,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Ong, 79, also consented to have a second charge taken into consideration for the purposes of sentencing at a court hearing scheduled on April 2, according to a statement from Hotel Properties, in which the tycoon serves as managing director.—
Jonathan Burgos,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Not without controversy AstroForge has already butted heads with the science community.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN,
25 Feb. 2025
-
However, the controversy surrounding the actress’ old tweets threw her Oscars attendance into question.—
Abby Monteil,
Them,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Following Trump's conversation with Putin last week, Trump floated a potential meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to kick off ceasefire discussions.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
-
At a moment when the atomization of interpersonal relationships is at the forefront of public discussion, Brennan’s winsome, melancholy-streaked portraits of city life hold particular resonance.—
Rhian Sasseen,
The Atlantic,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Amid this dark, silent space, the siblings survived on rice balls and pondered what had just happened to their serene home.—
Ronan O'Connell,
Smithsonian Magazine,
27 Feb. 2025
-
The Kaan isn’t even the first fifth-generation fighter project the Emirates has purportedly pondered joining.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Panelists discuss the president’s firing of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General C. Q. Brown.—
The Editors,
The Atlantic,
22 Feb. 2025
-
The duo will interview award recipients and discuss the evening’s ceremony, fashion choices for the event and so much more.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Two Israeli officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the government believed that with the aid and goods that entered the enclave in recent months and during the temporary ceasefire, there were enough supplies in Gaza for several more months.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
arkansasonline.com,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Journalists reviewed documents, including procurement organizations’ policies on skipping patients, private complaints filed by doctors and internal records of deliberations among leaders of the transplant system.—
Brian M. Rosenthal,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The network brought a federal lawsuit and a judge quickly sided with CNN in the dispute on due process grounds, leading the White House to back down from the legal fight.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Weston, 34, and Fulton, 57, were allegedly involved in a verbal dispute that turned physical on April 28, 2024.—
Charmaine Patterson,
People.com,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The report included close consultation and collaboration with the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments.—
Karen K. Ho,
ARTnews.com,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Beyond facilitating virtual consultations, agentic AI systems can autonomously schedule follow-ups, analyze symptoms during video calls and recommend diagnostic tests based on patient data.—
Rignesh Soni,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 7 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share