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Definitions

debate

[dih-beyt] / 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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“Over the next couple years, it will predominantly be a scientific debate, exactly like AI was debated in the universities using GPUs to look at neural networks.”

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 30, 2026

Days after a classicist who translated Homer’s “The Odyssey” in 2017 eviscerated the Christopher Nolan film based on the poem, Joyce Carol Oates has entered the debate.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 30, 2026

But he believes the debate risks becoming too narrowly focused on technology.

From BBC Jul. 29, 2026

In a joint statement, Canal+, owner of the CNews television channel, and Lagardere, which owns Europe 1 radio, said a diversity of opinions was important for democratic debate.

From Barron's Jul. 29, 2026

After a lengthy debate, the Germans decided to take the risk.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Beyond CapEx and ROI debates, Microsoft may face pressure around its exposure to OpenAI and risks of open-source model displacement, as well as skepticism of its flagship productivity software business.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 28, 2026

For all of the vicious debates over sex ed in the ’90 and 2000s, those pushing abstinence and those promoting comprehensive health education could largely agree on one thing: We wanted teen pregnancies to decrease.

From Slate Jul. 28, 2026

These models are not human, despite our many debates on how aware or not they are or will become.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 23, 2026

As activists gather beneath tarpaulin sheets in New Delhi, often holding all-night political debates, singing or reciting poetry, delivery drivers from online platforms weave through the barricades.

From Barron's Jul. 23, 2026

“I disagreed with him, but I always felt he was a man of absolute integrity,” Marx said of these debates.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Scientists have debated for years why these regions become so enriched.

From Science Daily Jul. 29, 2026

Successive Thai governments have debated raising a universal old-age allowance that currently amounts to between $18 and $35 a month, but eventually discarded the idea for cost reasons.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 26, 2026

Friedkin’s movie shifted people’s perceptions about fear and played with longstanding ideas about the nuclear family and religious ideology, themes that were starting to be contested and debated as America moved further from ’50s-era sterility.

From Salon Jul. 22, 2026

South Korea is one of the most technologically advanced countries on earth, yet where it belongs in global stock indexes has been debated for years.

From MarketWatch Jul. 20, 2026

Across the country, the United States debated the quality of its schools, concerned with how American students matched up to the Soviets in math and the sciences.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

The need for investment has already prompted many to explore alternative ownership structures, and industry leaders have been debating how the technology could shrink head count or alter fee structures over time.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 26, 2026

Transit advocates likewise dismissed the idea, arguing lawmakers should remain focused on completing the station’s redevelopment and improving passenger service rather than debating a name change.

From Salon Jul. 25, 2026

Scientists have been debating that question for years, and the answer remains far from simple.

From Science Daily Jul. 14, 2026

Carney, who served as the governor of the Bank of England during Brexit, as that country was debating leaving the EU, said he had witnessed the dangers of secessionist movements.

From BBC Jul. 1, 2026

She was debating which one was Kapugen’s when the door opened in the smaller one and three children tumbled out.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George




Vocabulary lists containing debate


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