deliberate 1 of 2

Definition of deliberatenext
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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

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

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 deliberate
Adjective
What did make were objects that have been tested through multiple weeks of actual cooking and cleaning—not by careful, deliberate product evaluation, but by the ordinary disorder of a busy home kitchen. Jamie Thilman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026 Yet, even when Ghalibaf landed in Islamabad for the first round of talks, he was accompanied by an unprecedented team of Iranian officials representing a diverse political spectrum in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to showcase cohesion. Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
The jury deliberated for less than four hours before finding Yates guilty of capital murder. Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 The judge upheld the first two convictions but declared a mistrial on the final rape charge after the jury foreperson refused to keep deliberating. Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deliberate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliberate
Adjective
  • And, ultimately, being a writer who borrows from life is something that should be gone about in a considered way, because life matters.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Nussmeier considered entering last year’s draft but returned to LSU and had a nightmare season that ended with a November abdominal injury.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Welch has positioned these changes as necessary to combat potential changes to the Voting Rights Act, amid ongoing legal uncertainty over how courts will treat race-conscious redistricting.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The child, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly conscious when responders arrived.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Leonard’s deal with Aspiration occurred as Ballmer invested in the company and as the Clippers and Aspiration signed deals that contemplated a $300 million partnership for Aspiration to sponsor the Clippers’ arena and the team’s jersey patch.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The paintings incorporate scenes Martinez witnessed during nighttime walks through Istanbul, contemplating the boundaries and borders created by the city’s barriers, amid political unrest and oppression.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The space agency arguably took a smart, calculated risk, though some experts vocally criticized the decision to fly.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026
  • This was a calculated attempt to terrorize people because of their faith.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Russell was charged in state court with voluntary manslaughter and pleaded guilty, receiving a jail sentence and probation.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Join others in voluntary efforts to keep ICE away from hospitals, schools, and shelters.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Redditors also ponder an IKEA cookie relation.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
  • First, there are the big-name athletes to find and woo into competing on the streets of the UK’s capital, then the pace-makers, the notable debutants, and the tantalising head-to-heads to create; there’s the hotel bookings, the visas, the flights, the prize money and even bonuses to ponder over.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Alito said the focus of the Voting Rights Act must be to enforce the prohibition against intentional racial discrimination under the 15th Amendment to the Constitution.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Peloton are each working to make musculoskeletal wellness intentional, accessible, and routine.
    Bryan T. Kelly, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deliberate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliberate. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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