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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:

Every motion submitted to conference undergoes debate and no single interest group drives policy.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

The Surge has pulled its giant foam finger saying “DEBATES” out of storage, because friends, it is debate season.

From Slate ● Oct. 10, 2026

He knows how the pressure can mount around Old Trafford and how fierce the debate around the club in the search for answers can be.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

He faults the doomers for having “managed to make the debate between safe and unsafe,” and he maintains that “a lot of their proposals are extraordinarily unsafe or also dangerous in other ways.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

I guess we know where Dad lands on the ketchup versus mustard debate.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

We didn’t notice any blow-ups of such magnitude in the debates we watched this week.

From Slate ● Oct. 10, 2026

The company is talking with marketing agencies about a new campaign next year to frame the brand as part of a health-focused lifestyle that Brown described as “thrive mode”—while avoiding political debates about meat.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

In August, he told reporters there would be multiple debates.

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

Although the final draft of the document was conspicuously silent on slavery, the subject itself haunted the closed-door debates.

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

The authors examine how different monocyte populations change over time and assess the debated M1/M2 macrophage polarization model.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 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

Several labelling schemes, including from Britain, France and Germany, were being showcased at the world's biggest book industry fair in Frankfurt this week, where the challenges posed by AI were hotly debated.

From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 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

Rafik and Liyana debated how the Dung Gate might have gotten its name.

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye

And then she panicked, debating whether she should call him back at 3 a.m.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

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

"Yeah, yeah. She just stepped away to say hi to a friend," I say, debating if I dare ask for a ride.

From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi




Vocabulary lists containing debate


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