DEBATE Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'debate' contrast with its synonyms?

The words argue and discuss are common synonyms of debate . While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself. // debated the merits of the amendment // I'm debating whether I should go

Q: Where would 'argue' be a reasonable alternative to 'debate'?

In some situations, the words argue and debate are roughly equivalent. However, argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held. // argued that the project would be too costly

Q: When can 'discuss' be used instead of 'debate'?

The words discuss and debate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con. // discussed the need for a new highway

debate 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈbāt

Definition of debate

as in consideration

a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something after much debate, I decided to get the chocolate ice cream

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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debate

2 of 2

verb

as in to ponder

to give serious and careful thought to still debating what to do

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb debate contrast with its synonyms?

The words argue and discuss are common synonyms of debate. While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself.

debated the merits of the amendment

I'm debating whether I should go

Where would argue be a reasonable alternative to debate?

In some situations, the words argue and debate are roughly equivalent. However, argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

When can discuss be used instead of debate?

The words discuss and debate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

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

Noun

Multiple Republicans brought up Bottoms during the debate when criticizing their GOP opponent. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The council opened its probe following a month of intense debate surrounding the risks posed by advanced AI models, and is aiming to use testimony and information unearthed through the investigation to guide new regulations. — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Verb

That question remains heavily debated (and underfunded), an issue covered in a recent Times story by writer Stuart Miller. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Daniels should’ve just thrown the ball away, but debate over the final play in overtime has brought up the coaching staff and the team as a whole deserving blame – not just the signal-caller. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate

Noun

Police will forward the case to prosecutors for consideration of charges.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
Security considerations such as encryption and securely retiring storage media also remain important.

— Paul Speciale, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of consideration

Noun

The new concealer was originally launched as the Wide Awake Brightening Concealer alongside the Wide Awake Brightening Neutralizer, but ran into controversy just days after launch.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026
CoreWeave’s vast debt pile has been the subject of controversy in the past.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of controversy

Noun

No discussion of nuclear deterrence should ever lose sight of the human lives behind those words.

— Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Those discussions reveal how employees think and give managers a chance to coach reasoning, not just review the final deliverable.

— Samir Dutta, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of discussion

Verb

The Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, hasn’t been rung in 180 years, but that hasn’t stopped scientists from pondering what the bell might have sounded like when tolling.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026
In addition, Mendes and the studio have been pondering a highly unique reporting structure for the films’ box office receipts.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of ponder

Verb

The Next Generation Steps Up Sharing the stage with the executives were two members of the generation the panel was discussing.

— Callum McLennan, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
After discussing the safety measures and hearing from those in attendance, Hall and Lett withdrew to discuss the vote over the phone with Eastern Commissioner Jamey Cope, who was absent for a conference.

— Glory Reitz, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of discuss

Noun

Several other important artifacts of Mexica origin that have been part of repatriation disputes are also currently housed at the Weltmuseum.

— News Desk, Artforum, 12 Oct. 2026
The dispute emerged as a rare point of overt contention in last week’s bankruptcy hearing, which was dominated by the news that golfer Jon Rahm would be parting ways with the LIV Golf.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of dispute

Noun

The consultation, surgical approach and follow-up care may also differ, which can affect the overall cost.

— Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Norway will now hold a public consultation on the recommendations made in the report, with the central bank due to submit its response in January.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of consultation

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debatable

debate

debated

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“Debate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of debate

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verb

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