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Definitions

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:

It is banking on investor enthusiasm for its shares that hasn’t appeared to wane despite a debate around artificial-intelligence safety and a worsening environment for new listings.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026

“You losing a debate, so you gotta hit the Cliffe Knechtle stances,” the caption on one video reads.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

However, this top 10 debate is centred around winning European football's grandest prize.

From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026

Both candidates had their moments in the debate, although I gave the edge to Bass.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026

The full and better-recorded salvo came late in 1800 and early in 1801, during the debate in the House of Representatives over the presidential deadlock between Burr and Jefferson.

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

"This my lords is cutting-edge technology and it will enable me to contribute to debates in my own, once-clear voice before it began to deteriorate due to my disability," the 67-year-old told the chamber.

From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2026

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

In the prison debates I argued for the theory that King James himself was the real poet who used the nom de plume Shakespeare.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

Readers debated the reasons for the social shift—and whether it’s a problem exacerbated by social media or therapists themselves.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

Scientists have debated the origins of this uneven structure for decades.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026

While the exact amount is debated, PBS claims Carnegie walked away from the transaction with $250 million, earning him the title of the richest man in the world at the time.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 9, 2026

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

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

Scholars have long debated the beginning and end of Reconstruction, as well as exactly when Jim Crow ended and the Civil Rights Movement or “Second Reconstruction” began.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

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

Now, Jenner is seemingly once again debating selling the home, with property records revealing that it has once again been swiped off the market, Realtor.com can exclusively reveal.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 29, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Sep. 25, 2026

She was debating whether to pretend to have left something in the restaurant again or be direct and say they were on a scavenger hunt, when a breeze rustled the flyer tacked to the tree.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman




Vocabulary lists containing debate


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