Definitions

deliberate

[dih-lib-er-it, dih-lib-uh-reyt] / dɪˈlɪb ər ɪt, dɪˈlɪb əˌreɪt /

ADJECTIVE

intentional

Synonyms

STRONGEST

calculated careful cautious cold-blooded conscious meticulous premeditated prudent purposeful studious thoughtful willful

STRONG

advised considered designed express fixed intended judged planned pondered prearranged predetermined projected purposed reasoned resolved schemed studied weighed

WEAK

aforethought cut-and-dried designful done on purpose predesigned predeterminate prepense provident purposive scrupulous thought-out voluntary wary with forethought witting

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless heedless ignorant imprudent inattentive incautious thoughtless uncareful unmindful

STRONG

indefinite unplanned

WEAK

chance indeterminate unintentional unmethodical unsystematic unwitting

VERB

think about seriously; discuss

Synonyms

STRONGEST

consider consult contemplate mull over ponder reflect weigh

STRONG

argue cerebrate cogitate debate excogitate judge meditate muse reason revolve roll ruminate speculate study

WEAK

bat it around chew over hammer away at kick around knock around pour it on put on thinking cap rack brains run up a flagpole stew over sweat over talk over turn over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

discard disregard forget ignore neglect

STRONG

abstain agree go along

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.

But that’s a far cry from the deliberate destruction of civilian targets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

In Lilly’s case, the pharma giant’s deliberate structural shift has served it well.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

But some may prefer a more deliberate approach rather than ExpressVPN’s “always-on” philosophy.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

The Los Angeles jury took much longer to deliberate.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

She looked from it to Koffi's face several deliberate times before Koffi understood.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray