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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's a huge debate – a very painful debate," Emi says.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

The case of “Jane Doe” has also reignited America’s debate about sexual consent.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

Much like the initial debate over the use of forensic DNA testing, Gialamas said, the answer wasn’t to abandon the technology but to create safeguards to “ensure responsible and trusted use.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

However, student union leader Ryad Rani told local press that the effort was "yet another attempt to muzzle the debate" and to gain time.

From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026

Although the sectional battle lines were clearly drawn in the debate, the position of the Virginia delegation was equivocal.

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

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

There are also debates around children spending more time on screens and less time outdoors, while schools are reporting increasing behavioural challenges and lower respect for rules and authority.

From BBC ● Oct. 4, 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

AI researchers have warned that the technology could lead to human extinction, adding urgency to both policy and philosophical debates.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 2, 2026

I gave little thought to the debates regarding taxation by our Parliament.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Scientists who drew attention to that disconnect, such as Judith Curry, were assailed rather than debated.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 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

But as the council debated, it became clear they were leaning toward Butch Twining, 70, citing in part his business experience.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

The people of Duk Payuel, the village where my family was living at the time, debated whether the man had made a wise choice.

From "Lost Boy, Lost Girl" by John Bul Dau

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

As well as discussing UK-Canada ties, who knows - might the two men end up debating ways to best woo the EU, too?

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

I sit there, with the phone in mv hand, debating whether to call him back.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins




Vocabulary lists containing debate


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