deliberate 1 of 2

Definition of deliberatenext
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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
There may also be a desire among decision makers to be more deliberate in defenestrations than during the MeToo era, when corporate cancellations were swift and arguably, in some cases, rash. Claire Zillman, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026 Best-practice transition periods typically span 2 to 4 years, allowing for deliberate preparation and continuity. Thomas Good, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
On Thursday afternoon, jurors also had begun deliberating on the felony vandalism charge, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years and possible restitution. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026 The jury deliberated for about two hours Thursday, Monroe County Assistant State Attorney Colleen Dunne, who leads the office’s major-crimes unit, told the Miami Herald in a text. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deliberate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate
Adjective
  • In a world often focused on visibility and performance, Odyssey Mandarin Sky Vintage presents a considered vision of modern perfumery, one that values intimacy, familiarity, and the profound human experience of scent.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
  • As odd as their arrangements can be, Bryan’s songs benefit from a robust, considered production.
    Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Cost-conscious travelers should note the airport is raising parking rates, including a 40% jump at the Daily Deck, to help fund safety, infrastructure and reliability upgrades, The Charlotte Observer reported.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • By the slice Investors dominate housing in some of California’s most lightly populated counties when contemplating the share of houses not occupied by their owners.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Inside the private room of a Country Club Plaza steakhouse, top officials from the England national team contemplated their World Cup future.
    Sam McDowell Updated February 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Was her decision to push forward with a severe knee injury a calculated risk or stubborn foolishness?
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The decision to have Bad Bunny perform at this year’s halftime show was a calculated move by the NFL and Roc Nation—Jay-Z’s entertainment company that has overseen the halftime show since 2019—to capitalize on the artist’s international appeal.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • These funds support a voluntary return-home program in which returners receive a stipend for up to seven years.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • In fact, Lifetouch was the first school photography company to sign a voluntary and enforceable privacy pledge—reaffirming our deep commitment to protecting school communities.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Here's a fascinating premise to ponder!
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Seven years ago, Williams was sitting in his bed in his New York studio apartment, eating pizza out of the box and pondering where to take his career.
    Tara Larson, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The ledger is the foundation of reasoned conclusion.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This is where intentional framing matters.
    Ashley Herd, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • It’s not explicitly confirmed, which is intentional.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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