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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:

Holmes had left the room, prompting Fielder to debate whether she was aware of Evans’ request.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026

The debate intensified after Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigned in September, publicly warning about the dangers of unchecked AI development.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026

The AI safety debate hits a new dimension.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026

They’ve had a pickleball night to introduce themselves to new students, coffee meet-and-greets, debate tables and game nights.

From Salon ● Oct. 19, 2026

And all parties to the debate seemed to believe that history, as well as the future, was on their side.

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

A No 10 spokeswoman said a correction had been issued to Hansard, the official report of parliamentary debates, and would be "published in due course".

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

Ms. Smialek interweaves Edgeworth’s story with economic debates of her time, which remain debates in ours.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

"This my lords is cutting-edge technology and it will enable me to contribute to debates in my own, once-clear voice before it began to deteriorate due to my disability," the 67-year-old told the chamber.

From Barron's ● Oct. 13, 2026

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

From Slate ● Oct. 10, 2026

I told Jillian about the Tribal Youth Council debates and the research our adviser made us do to support whatever side we were on.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

In her political career so far, she has not made any prominent public statements about women's rights, even while changes to inheritance rules, polygamy and the family code were being widely debated.

From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026

Others have debated whether the Treasury might consider scrapping 20-year auctions altogether, a move that seems unlikely.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026

Educational inequality has been debated in France for 25 years, with disparities emerging as early as nursery school, Charbonnier said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

For the next four hours, the pastor debated one student after another, fielding questions about faith and folly with the measured cadence of a courtroom lawyer and the booming voice of a tent evangelist.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

One Sunday, while our parents debated the meaning of Father Finnegan’s homily that morning, the doorbell rang.

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez

And Becerra, who’s made himself exceedingly scarce, is stepping up and debating, as he should.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

Now, Jenner is seemingly once again debating selling the home, with property records revealing that it has once again been swiped off the market, Realtor.com can exclusively reveal.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 29, 2026

"Brazil spent years debating how to regulate sports betting," the club said in a statement.

From Barron's ● Sep. 25, 2026

The paper says investors have signalled that the gilt market "would not be spooked" by a more modest target, adding that the Treasury and Number 10 are "actively debating" the possibility.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

I stare at him, debating the best way to proceed.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed


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