deliberation

noun

di-ˌli-bə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce deliberation (audio)
Definition of deliberationnext
1
as in consideration
a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something gave the matter full deliberation before reaching a decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue there was a great deal of deliberation among the representatives about the wording of the public statement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deliberation The jury met for a few hours Thursday afternoon and will resume deliberations Friday morning. — Michael Casey, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 Jurors are scheduled to return Monday for closing arguments before beginning deliberations in the only prosecution brought in the killing of the hip-hop icon. — CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 The second year is a player option, according to a team source who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations. — William Guillory, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The panel seated for the trial is made up of 12 women and six men, but only 12 of them will deliberate, the rest serve as alternates and will be dismissed before deliberations begin. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deliberation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberation
  1. consideration
  2. discussion
  3. consultation
  4. debate
  5. consult
Noun
  • If someone consistently behaves with kindness, generosity, and consideration, even when these behaviors require effort or self-restraint, their motives may be less important than their actions.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • For now, the main considerations are cutting benefits for wealthier Americans or eliminating the cap on Social Security's payroll tax.
    — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of consideration
Noun
  • Walking in on them during an intimate discussion only seems to confirm it.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Sullivan spoke with attorneys at sidebar about the request, but the discussion was inaudible to observers in the courtroom at Plymouth Superior Court.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of discussion
Noun
  • Thomas Mach Interiors, of Simsbury, painted the interior and donated a consultation and project management services at the school.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Family life Harald dated Sonja Haraldsen for nine years before King Olav V, after consultation with the Norwegian Parliament, gave permission for the couple to marry.
    — James Frater, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of consultation
Noun
  • While the referendum debate has almost entirely centered on the economy – for example, the potential impact of joining the Eurozone and changing fishing policy – the vote is not happening in a vacuum.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Their debates can get heated, but Gray, who describes himself as a conflict-averse person in a high-conflict business, says the criticism should never be personal.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • Noam Lupu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
    — Nicholas Carnes, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Mindy Leffler developed the Duchenne Video Assessment, used in Capricor’s Phase 3 study, and consults on its data.
    — Mindy Leffler, STAT, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of consult

Browse Nearby Words

deliberating
deliberation
deliberations
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Cite this Entry

“Deliberation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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