debate

fierce, heated, intense, lively, vigorous

There was a fierce debate between the two candidates about climate change policy.

wider

The discussion about climate change is part of a wider debate on environmental responsibility.

public

There was a heated public debate about whether the new shopping mall should be built downtown.

contribute to

Recent scientific studies have contributed to the debate about climate change solutions.

encourage, promote

The teacher encouraged debate among her students about whether uniforms should be required in schools.

spark off

The controversial film sparked off a heated debate about freedom of expression among students.

stifle

The new restrictions risk stifling debate about important environmental issues in our community.

lose, win

After weeks of arguments, the government finally won the debate about raising the retirement age.

be a matter for, be open to

Whether the new policy will actually work is still open to debate among the team members.

rage, take place

Heated debates are raging across the country about whether to raise the minimum wage.

under ~

The new safety regulations remain under debate between the government and industry experts.

~ about/on/over

There has been a heated debate over whether schools should start later in the morning.

~ among

There is ongoing debate among parents about the best age to give children a smartphone.

~ surrounding

The debate surrounding climate change has divided scientists and politicians for years.

the subject of debate

Whether schools should teach children about climate change remains the subject of heated debate.

acrimonious, fierce, heated, lively, stormy

The two candidates had a heated debate about climate change during the election campaign.

congressional, parliamentary

The congressional debate about healthcare reform lasted for several hours yesterday.

have, hold

The school held a debate last week about climate change and its effects on our planet.

participate in, speak in, take part in

Last night I participated in a debate about whether schools should assign less homework.

open

The teacher opened the debate by asking students what they thought about social media.

lose, win

The opposition won the debate about climate change last night.

~ about/on

There was a heated debate about whether schools should start classes later in the morning.

fiercely, hotly

Scientists fiercely debated whether the new discovery would change modern medicine.

openly, publicly

The two candidates openly debated their opposing views on healthcare reform.

with

She spent the evening debating with her friends about whether to accept the job offer.

be widely debated

The best way to teach children has always been widely debated among educators and parents.