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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.

Whatever one thinks of Operation Epic Fury, the signal is unambiguous: The U.S. is willing to apply overwhelming force, with deliberate restraint toward civilian infrastructure and without escalation anxiety.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

While Jobs could often be dismissive of ideas, Cook established a reputation for a more cautious, accessible and deliberate approach.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

The deliberate demolition of structures is not a new Israeli military tactic.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

I mention this because it’s important to be deliberate about when you claim Social Security.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

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

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Vocabulary lists containing deliberate

The Crucible

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"Of Mice and Men"

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Think Tank: Thought-Provoking Vocabulary

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