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 delivered the verdict on Friday after about 40 minutes of deliberation, AP reported. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026 After more than 20 hours of deliberations, a Baltimore County jury found Mark Jones Junior guilty of shooting his young children and their mother. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 30 June 2026 The Philadelphia 76ers have expressed interest in acquiring free agent forward LeBron James, a league source who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations told The Athletic. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Jurors began deliberations Monday afternoon in the murder trial of Dandrae Martin and Mtula Payton, the surviving defendants in Sacramento’s deadliest-ever mass shooting, in Sacramento Superior Court. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deliberation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberation
  1. consideration
  2. discussion
  3. consultation
  4. debate
  5. consult
Noun
  • Trump taking the country to war with Iran, in part at the urging of his pal Bibi — without any sensible plan, debate, sanction from Congress or consideration as to how this might hurt Americans already struggling to make ends meet.
    — Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
  • By eliminating your class and your ethnicity, your natural talents and weaknesses, from consideration, the veil reminds you that those traits are beyond your control, making fairness an incentive.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026
Definition of consideration
Noun
  • During Thursday evening’s Board of Commissioners meeting, officials unanimously, and with no additional discussion, approved Johnston’s exit agreement and named Assistant County Administrator Alan Howze as his replacement for the rest of the year.
    — Sofi Zeman July 2, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • Immediately, the call sparked online debate and discussion that will surely continue into next week.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Definition of discussion
Noun
  • The agency made the changes without the customary professional consultations, KFF has reported.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • His expensive and ambitious campaign has been conducted with little congressional consultation or oversight, shaped entirely by one man.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of consultation
Noun
  • And a red card against an American soccer star sparks debate.
    — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • But most companies run scenario-planning exercises, only to rehearse their debates about what to do once a crisis hits.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • Emma Fenske 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.
    — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • Benny’s work schedule is consult-based, with staff members or caregivers requesting his services.
    — Zuri Primos June 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
Definition of consult

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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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deliberation

Nglish: Translation of deliberation for Spanish Speakers

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