argument, argumentation, debate: a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal; "the argument over foreign aid goes on and on" debate, disputation, public_debate: the formal presentation of and opposition to a stated proposition (usually followed by a vote) debate: argue with one another; "We debated the question of abortion"; "John debated Mary" consider, debate, moot, turn_over, deliberate: think about carefully; weigh; "They considered the possibility of a strike"; "Turn the proposal over in your mind" debate, deliberate: discuss the pros and cons of an issue argue, contend, debate, fence: have an argument about something