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deliberate

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word deliberate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of deliberate are intentional, voluntary, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

When is intentional a more appropriate choice than deliberate?

The meanings of intentional and deliberate largely overlap; however, intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When is it sensible to use voluntary instead of deliberate?

In some situations, the words voluntary and deliberate are roughly equivalent. However, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

Where would willing be a reasonable alternative to deliberate?

While the synonyms willing and deliberate are close in meaning, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

Examples 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 deliberate
Adjective
This isn’t just a quirk of the market but a deliberate shift designed to align with the emotional, cultural and financial rhythms of the modern consumer. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The United States faces strong headwinds from cultural conflict, as well as deliberate efforts by domestic and foreign actors to sow divisions, spread disinformation, and create distrust in the system. Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
The commission deliberated for just eight minutes before the final vote. Ainsley Platt, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024 The six man, six woman jury deliberated for more than 20 hours over three days. CBS News, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deliberate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate
Adjective
  • These are words that reflect a more considered and customized approach in providing wellness experiences.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
  • Through it all, Smith navigates his character’s many heavy situations with a careful and considered performance.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 16 Aug. 2024
Adjective
  • Incorrectly labeled fish can undermine conscious consumers’ efforts to purchase responsibly.
    Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
  • An emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency can reduce long-term operating costs while also appealing to environmentally conscious residents and businesses.
    Meyer Orbach, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The alternative is a future too abhorrent for even the most dystopian imaginations at WIRED to contemplate.
    Katie Drummond, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Their agreement contemplated alternative dispute mechanisms, including arbitration, to resolve any contractual conflict.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Dillahunt will play modern cowboy William Macon, a self-righteous, conspiracy-minded man who masks his ruthless ambition behind a charming and calculated facade.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Bringing the show back now was a calculated decision, according to Davis.
    Julia MacCary, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • This is a sharp decline from $102.7 million in the same quarter last year, attributed to the voluntary discontinuation of the marketing authorizations for RELYVRIO and ALBRIOZA.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Johnson & Johnson had also done a voluntary recall in 2018 after sub-trace levels of asbestos were found in their products.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The new album’s title track ponders the optimism of a postwar generation that saw itself as ushering in a golden age.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Earlier in the episode, Stephen ponders the liberties Nancy took when writing The Perfect Stranger.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The show was also intentional about embracing younger artists blazing new trails in the industry — from a medley with up-and-coming urban artists Eladio Carrión, Quevedo, Myke Towers, to a Spanglish performance by Joe Jonas and Ela Taubert, who is nominated for best new artist.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Be intentional with team connections and avoid the trap of transactional conversations.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • This is a talky chamber piece of philosophical face-offs, debate duels and wordy warfare, though the outcomes remain just as harrowing.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Two mega crypto investors met on YouTube to debate the presidential election.
    Brady Dale, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near deliberate

Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on deliberate

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