DELIBERATE Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

deliberate 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈli-bə-rət

Definition of deliberate next

as in considered

decided on as a result of careful thought the judge made a deliberate decision to impose the maximum sentence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in conscious

made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing a deliberate act of vandalism that should not go unpunished

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deliberate

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈli-bə-ˌrāt

as in to contemplate

to give serious and careful thought to the jury deliberated the case for three days before returning a verdict

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 venture is a deliberate effort to understand user behavior, identify gaps in the market, and create a platform that will disrupt the industry. —

Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025 But like consent, true defiance is deliberate and deeply personal. —

Dr. Sunita Sah, TIME, 4 Jan. 2025

Verb

The jury will continue deliberating a lesser charge Monday. —

Andrew Torgan, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024 Judge Maxwell Wiley proposed giving the jury an Allen charge, which refers to the jury instructions given to a hung jury that encourages them to continue deliberating despite the deadlock. —

Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deliberate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate

Adjective

Read more Dua and Callum’s Couple Style Is, Like Them, Hot Turner’s low-key but considered looks are the perfect backdrop to his girlfriend’s more mercurial wardrobe.

Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2024
Working from Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay, Jenkins tries to allay a clunky narrative with his intimate and considered style.

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024