debrief

verb

Definition of debriefnext
as in to interrogate
to officially ask (someone) about a job that has been done or about an experience Police debriefed the hostages upon their return. The pilot was debriefed after his flight.

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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 debrief The final clip features Knoxville and Tremaine sitting on a motel bed, debriefing after a particularly dangerous stunt. — T.m. Brown, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 The system should help managers understand what the data means, debrief the results, identify business implications, build action plans, recommend stakeholders and track behavior change over time. — Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 Ben tells João about his argument with Daisy, and João suggests the three of them have a head of department (HOD) dinner that night, to debrief and reset. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026 Fox said Williams was debriefed in September 2015 and signed a nondisclosure agreement. — Allen G. Breed, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debrief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debrief
  1. interrogate
  2. question
  3. examine
Verb
  • Jacobsen, after interrogating scientific and security experts around the world, has imagined an accident at a Siberian lab that launches a runaway outbreak.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Nearly 1,600 agencies in 32 states now have agreements to participate in ICE’s task force model, in which trained local officers can interrogate, arrest and charge people suspected of being in the country illegally, according to ICE data.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of interrogate
Verb
  • Brown was taken to Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters for questioning.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Griffin, who has sharply criticized New York’s tax policies and business climate, had questioned his future commitments to the city.
    — Luisa Yanez August 17, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of question
Verb
  • Last year, President Claudia Sheinbaum formed an investigative unit to re-examine the case, and the new attorney general, Ernestina Godoy, began a re-analysis.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Two hours after the game, 16 groundskeepers were still examining every inch of the field and making repairs.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of examine

Browse Nearby Words

debonair
debrief
debriefed
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Cite this Entry

“Debrief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debrief. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on debrief

Nglish: Translation of debrief for Spanish Speakers

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