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
Jessica Hill, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
What’s troubling about the drop in vaccination rates, however, is that confused — and at times contradictory — public debate around vaccines has almost certainly driven that decline.
—Josh M. Shepherd, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Robert M. Califf, STAT, 6 Feb. 2026
Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.
—TheWeek, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debate
Noun
The success of their unionization could come down to a debate between whether they are considered independent contractors or employees.
—Jessica Hill, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
What’s troubling about the drop in vaccination rates, however, is that confused — and at times contradictory — public debate around vaccines has almost certainly driven that decline.
—Josh M. Shepherd, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
Results were debated within both the FDA and the CDC and presented publicly at the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee at the FDA and at the CDC’s ACIP.
—Robert M. Califf, STAT, 6 Feb. 2026
Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.
—TheWeek, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for debate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate
Noun
-
In June 2023, the court held that race-conscious admissions programs violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, effectively curtailing the consideration of race in colleges nationwide.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Senate Bill 1277 would cut text limiting what counts as an ADU, essentially allowing detached ADUs with the same consideration as apartments inside a home.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Independent reported that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is also facing Epstein connected controversy over the appointment and subsequent firing of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, attended the reception.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
-
But the controversy surrounding the event with halftime performer Bad Bunny likely stoked additional interest.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
No, the Heat never got deep into discussions for Ja Morant.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Final discussions are underway as Colorado moves toward possible changes to how SNAP benefits work in the state.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
At least one likely outcome would’ve been apparent, but pondering that likelihood wasn’t Pretti’s responsibility.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Its lessons are ones Republicans should ponder — and fast.—
Stephen Mihm,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, senior leaders at Arizona State University were quietly hosting 30 leaders from Korean technical colleges to discuss how the United States might learn from their success in developing an AI-ready workforce.—
David Ignatius,
Washington Post,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Neither Iran nor Oman offered any details on what had been discussed in Larijani's meetings.—
JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Political theorists like James Tulley distinguish between civil views of citizenship, focused on what government does, and civic views of citizenship, including deliberation and public work that citizens do together.—
Harry Boyte,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
-
And, yes, the two seasons at $88 million beyond this season on his Memphis Grizzlies contract were significant in that deliberation.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But before the action alights in the location of the latest dispute between adjacent property owners to catch the eye of directors Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford (yes, grandson of Robert), the shot fills with the telltale red, white and blue of the American flag.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
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While Japan has seized fishing vessels from South Korea and Taiwan in recent years, the incident is the first involving a vessel from China since 2022 and comes against the backdrop of a major diplomatic dispute between the countries.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Edwards said decisions involving a ransom are always up to the family and that the FBI can help provide consultation.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The rhinoplasty process begins with a detailed consultation.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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