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Showing results for debate.
Definitions

debate

[dih-beyt] / dɪˈbeɪt /
NOUN
discussion of issues; consideration
Synonyms
STRONGEST
argument contest controversy deliberation dispute match
STRONG
agitation altercation argumentation cogitation contention controverting dialectic disputation hassle meditation mooting polemic rebutting reflection refuting tiff words wrangle
WEAK
blah-blah forensic
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreement peace quiet
STRONG
harmony
VERB
argue, discuss
Synonyms
STRONGEST
answer bicker consider contest deliberate oppose question wrangle
STRONG
agitate altercate bandy canvass cogitate confab confute contend controvert demonstrate differ disprove dispute hassle moot pettifog prove reason rebut refute rehash
WEAK
bump heads chew the fat cross swords discept hammer away at hash over have at it kick around knock around lock horns pick a bone put up argument set to talk back talk game thrash out toss around
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agree
STRONG
endorse give in go along harmonize make peace prove

Usage

What are other ways to say debate? To debate is to interchange formal (usually opposing) arguments, especially on public questions: to debate a proposed amendment. To argue is to present one's reasons: The scientists argued for a safer testing procedure; it may also imply disputing in an angry or excited way: His parents argue all the time. To discuss is to present varied opinions and views: to discuss ways and means. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For Jenna Lindsay, who manages Cafe Continental, a bar and restaurant in the Inverclyde town of Gourock, the political debate about taxation feels a long way from the pressures of real life.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

“Steve is a fraud. He’s a liar, and I’m not going to sit by and just let him do it anymore,” Bianco said after the Rancho Mirage debate.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Every time she got on the floor to debate, I would sit in front of the TV just to watch her, see her in the parliament, one woman surrounded by men.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The debate continues around the risk of AI-native companies replacing enterprise software providers persists.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Smith also led the debate on behalf of the Deep South on that other great text, which was not the Bible but the Constitution.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing debate

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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The Articles of Confederation (1777)

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Speech and Debate

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