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Definitions

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.

Much of the debate about the current “affordability crisis” focuses on lowering costs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Now, a yearlong government study has sparked a contentious new round of debate about the disappeared.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

She spoke of one audience member, a relative of someone who was murdered, who became more open to a debate about the merits of capital punishment after seeing the opera.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Biya's long time in power, which began in November 1982, has sparked a debate about his succession.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

In November of 1792, for example, when another Quaker petition came forward under the sponsorship of Fisher Ames, William Loughton Smith referred his colleague to the earlier debate of 1790.

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

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.