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

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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 Watching someone move from deliberation to conviction and into action that fast is the power of this work. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Both lawyers were also involved in deliberations surrounding the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026 The project had been under review for months and was returning to the council after a May 12 hearing was continued to allow additional public comment, questions and deliberation. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 During deliberation, jurors received a read-back of excerpts of testimony of a police officer on Hampton’s performance on field sobriety tests after the crash on Interstate 20, near Texas 360, in December 2021, and on a preliminary breath test. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 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
  • But others warrant consideration over the season’s final six weeks.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Kurz said that the field team put careful consideration into selecting each site.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of consideration
Noun
  • The Czech billionaire still intends to become West Ham’s majority shareholder and discussions are ongoing.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In 2024, the government banned media discussions about his health, calling them a national security matter.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of discussion
Noun
  • Earlier this week, the EFL confirmed it had been served with legal proceedings by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) over changes enacted in League One, with the PFA citing insufficient consultation on the rule amendments.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Diplomatic efforts today too often grant the Taliban a formal place at the table while limiting contact with Afghan women to informal consultations.
    — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of consultation
Noun
  • Yet, how much the shift will improve the financial lot of clubs is up for debate.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Yet the underlying biology of aging remains a matter of uncertainty and debate.
    — Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • Path2Papers, a project at Cornell Law School, analyzed 1,600 consults and estimated that around 60% of DACA recipients would be subject to the 10-year ban.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Mark Vrtiska 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.
    — Mark Vrtiska, The Conversation, 30 July 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deliberation

Nglish: Translation of deliberation for Spanish Speakers

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