debate

[dih-beyt] / dɪˈbeɪt /

NOUN

discussion of issues; consideration

Synonyms

STRONGEST

argument contest controversy deliberation dispute match

STRONG

agitation altercation argumentation cogitation contention controverting dialectic disputation hassle meditation mooting polemic rebutting reflection refuting tiff words wrangle

WEAK

blah-blah forensic

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreement peace quiet

STRONG

harmony

VERB

argue, discuss

Synonyms

STRONGEST

answer bicker consider contest deliberate oppose question wrangle

STRONG

agitate altercate bandy canvass cogitate confab confute contend controvert demonstrate differ disprove dispute hassle moot pettifog prove reason rebut refute rehash

WEAK

bump heads chew the fat cross swords discept hammer away at hash over have at it kick around knock around lock horns pick a bone put up argument set to talk back talk game thrash out toss around

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agree

STRONG

endorse give in go along harmonize make peace prove

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.

The officials said there has been some debate within the Coast Guard and the Navy over whether the tanker should be captured, given that it is empty and old.

From The Wall Street Journal

How quickly marine ecosystems recovered after this disaster has been one of the most hotly debated questions in paleontology.

From Science Daily

The budget has been fiercely criticized by Iranians on social media and remains debated by lawmakers.

From The Wall Street Journal

The study, published in the December issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adds clarity to long-standing debates about vitamin D's links to colorectal cancer and other diseases.

From Science Daily

The UK government cabinet debate on more Welsh devolution, as proposed by the Richard Commission, has been unveiled in newly released papers from the National Archives.

From BBC

debate

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words