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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:

Questioned by presenter Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he denied deliberately avoiding the debate, saying he had been campaigning in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

Anthropic on Thursday moved to bar users from treating its Claude AI system with needless cruelty, amid a growing philosophical debate over whether artificial intelligence can be conscious.

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026

The move aims to encourage a public debate on longer-term regulation, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

Twice last week during their CNN debate, Becerra said his parents came to California “with $12.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

Hindsight permits us to listen to the debate of 1790 with knowledge that none of the participants possessed.

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

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

He and Hilton faced off last week in an hourlong debate on CNN but no other debates have been announced.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

His new role is largely symbolic, but Rausch will now chair debates, have the power to control access to the parliament building and represent parliament at official events.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 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

I missed all four of the debates because I had to work.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

Myha'la and Fry entered one crypt, found a shield and debated who should keep it.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 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

As in the thriller, anxious local leaders debated whether publicizing the peril would scare off tourists.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026

As discussions got going, it took a surprisingly long time for Grant's name to come up, as the other players debated other suspects such as Julie Hesmondhalgh.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

For the next hour, Anthony and the election officials debated the issue.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

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

As it was, you may have spent too much goodwill debating other money-related issues.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 22, 2026

He spent much of the race debating strategy with his team before being told to be quiet and they would debate it afterwards.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

I wanted to shoo the dogs away, to tell them that what they were debating of eating was horrible filth and would make them sick, or, possibly, die.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane




Vocabulary lists containing debate


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