DEBATE Synonyms: 175 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 next

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

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short shrift

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

Examples 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

Things were going fair to middling with his candidacy until Biden’s catastrophic, catatonic debate performance in June, which caused a major Democratic freak-out and resulted in his grudging departure from the ticket and endorsement of Harris. —

Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 Meanwhile, Biden’s refusal to exit the 2024 presidential race after a disastrous initial debate performance in June kicked off a whirlwind season that gave rise to Harris. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

Verb

On 29 November, a private members' bill put forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater will be debated by MPs. —

The Week, theweek, 10 Nov. 2024 Recent debates include Ben Shapiro vs 25 Kamala Voters, and 1 Democrat vs 25 Republicans, which are part of their Surrounded series, where one person debates multiple people. —

Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for debate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debate

Noun

Building off this focus on technique, a good strength training program for youth should progress from simple movements to more complex movements and lighter weights to heavier weights, taking into consideration that not all youth will adapt at the same rate.

Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024
The American people, a majority of them in fact, took this into consideration and apparently reasoned that this was not disqualifying behavior on the part of Trump.

The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024