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debate

[dih-bayt] / dɪˈbeɪt /




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.

See Examples For:

Pike's stunning survival renewed focus on the ethical debate surrounding capital punishment in the United States.

From Barron's ● Oct. 10, 2026

That’s because you’ve got debate fever, suffering reader.

From Slate ● Oct. 10, 2026

He knows how the pressure can mount around Old Trafford and how fierce the debate around the club in the search for answers can be.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

But when a match involving two-time champion Naomi Osaka was disrupted by a group of influencers conducting a photo shoot, it prompted a debate about tennis etiquette.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

Another tree woomphed down behind them, and another, and there was no more time for debate.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

We didn’t notice any blow-ups of such magnitude in the debates we watched this week.

From Slate ● Oct. 10, 2026

The larger campaign that Beyond plans will position the company as part of a health-focused lifestyle that Brown described as “thrive mode” while avoiding political debates about meat consumption.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

In August, he told reporters there would be multiple debates.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

Rising living costs, low wages, strains on the healthcare system and long-term population decline all feature prominently in campaign debates.

From Barron's ● Oct. 3, 2026

He debates theology with me as if he were a master from Paris.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz

The authors examine how different monocyte populations change over time and assess the debated M1/M2 macrophage polarization model.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 2026

Additionally, readers should note that historical net-worth estimates are often debated due to differences in record-keeping and varying valuation methods.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 9, 2026

Several labelling schemes, including from Britain, France and Germany, were being showcased at the world's biggest book industry fair in Frankfurt this week, where the challenges posed by AI were hotly debated.

From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026

At the same time, officials in the office debated filing a claim against the state to argue that the overpayments were not the fault of the employees, according to the audit.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

I debated whether to even send in my résumé.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Sound conclusions come from testing claims and debating evidence.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

And Becerra, who’s made himself exceedingly scarce, is stepping up and debating, as he should.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

"Brazil spent years debating how to regulate sports betting," the club said in a statement.

From Barron's ● Sep. 25, 2026

The paper says investors have signalled that the gilt market "would not be spooked" by a more modest target, adding that the Treasury and Number 10 are "actively debating" the possibility.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

In the next room, I hear Andre and Camille debating which way the couch should face.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller




Vocabulary lists containing debate


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