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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.

Wherever moms of girls get together — from school pickups to churches and Facebook groups — the debate rages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

The intrusion of e-bikes is sparking a fierce backlash from traditional trail users and forcing land managers into a confusing new debate over safety and fairness.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

The Pope told reporters at the start of his Africa tour that he did not want to get into a debate with Trump but would continue to promote peace.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

No. But it’s important at the moment because it’s part of a deepening policy debate about how to fix the finances of Social Security.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Although some semblance of the routinized mechanisms for political parties had begun to congeal during the debate over Jay's Treaty, nothing remotely resembling the organized campaign structure of modern political parties yet existed.

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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