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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.

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Lost in UCLA’s football attendance debate is a basic rule of L.A.:

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026

Prof James Coupe, head of the college's Artificial Intelligence programme, welcomed Scheffler's contribution to the debate.

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

By holding interest rates steady, the Fed has effectively deferred the debate on inflation rather than settled it, said Karen Manna, fixed income strategist at Federated Hermes, said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026

The stock’s high valuation, Intel’s weak projections for next year and the ongoing debate over the dominance of its x86 chip architecture “leaves me cautious on the shares,” Windsor said in a note to clients.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026

The more romantic case for the Potomac entered the debate duringMadison’s initial speech against the Susquehanna site.

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

Unlike 2022, there have been no televised debates.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026

Picard is a man given to philosophical debates and genteel pursuits like horseback riding and fencing.

From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2026

Following the first of two debates between Lula and Bolsonaro, Janones suffered a cardiac arrhythmia and went into intensive care, but recovered shortly after.

From Barron's ● Oct. 26, 2026

An opinion piece published by two Columbia University students questioning the “Cornell 7” case has sparked an uproar on campus—reigniting debates around free speech at elite universities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026

The animals would still assemble on Sunday mornings to salute the flag, sing Beasts of England, and receive their orders tor the week; but there would be no more debates.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell

Those still there debated how to stabilize the firm.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026

During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, council members debated the Axon pilot program after hearing from scores of people who spoke out in opposition to more cameras.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2026

Investors have debated the advantages of optical technology over traditional copper.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 28, 2026

One Thanksgiving, my mom and I debated attempting a traditional holiday meal at a rental on Hilton Head Island.

From Salon ● Oct. 28, 2026

I debated no longer, but made a dash up the hill, to the right of the pond, to reach the woods behind it before he turned the bend.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

"One of Bevan's strengths was his debating skills and his ability to deconstruct arguments."

From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2026

These greats built the mecca they needed and deserved, debating its contours, wanting it to last.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026

In other words, investors are getting sick of projecting payoffs from investments in technology with uncertain, far-off returns — and they’re also tired of debating what that means in the here and now.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026

The company is currently debating whether to partner with another automaker that already uses body-on-frame designs—an approach that would get vehicles in showrooms sooner—or work with North American suppliers to build one itself.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

I can see her as though it were but yesterday, on that unforgettable afternoon—never mind how many years ago—when she sat on her favourite sofa in the lounge, debating her method of attack.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier


Vocabulary lists containing debate

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