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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:

On Wall Street, the big debate is whether 5% yields are a ceiling — or a new floor.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 3, 2026

Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas recently became Southern California’s “only adults-only oceanfront resort,” sparking a debate about state law.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

Mr. Lederman had hoped that his detractors would openly and passionately debate the points in his essay, but that didn’t happen.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

Social Affairs minister Pablo Bustinduy, of the Sumar alliance, the junior partner in the governing coalition, presented the debate in dramatic terms.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

But the key point is that the debate was not resolved so much as built into the fabric of our national identity.

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

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

That, frankly, bothers me more than almost anything else raised in these etiquette debates.

From Salon ● Sep. 23, 2026

Earlier this week, the leaders of eight German states backed Merz and said restorting trust in the CDU lay in "listening and taking political action, not in debates over personnel".

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026

In this, as in many other scientific debates when foresight would eventually trump nearsightedness, Lawrence was right.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Their potential punishment has been debated, the future of the owners questioned and the feelings of the rest of the league - and wider football world - have been aired.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

This remains a debated point in financial markets.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

For decades, researchers have debated where bats first appeared.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 30, 2026

What Pocognoli does with his line-up and formation will be debated heavily because the 90 minutes against Switzerland really told us nothing.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

But even two or three minutes would have seemed like an eternity, sitting there while a group of old men debated my future.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

In Brussels, the EU has been debating whether to pick an envoy for talks with Moscow.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 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

I’m back on the street and debating, hard, about Applebee’s.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle




Vocabulary lists containing debate


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