noun

a formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote.

last night’s debate on the Education Bill

discussion,exchange of views,discourse,parley,argument,dispute,wrangle,altercation,war of words,arguing,argumentation,wrangling,sparring,disputation,dissension,disagreement,controversy,contention,conflict,disharmony,negotiations,talks,dialogue,comment,interest,confab,rap session,velitation,contestation

verb

argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner.

MPs debated the issue in the Commons

discuss,confer about,talk over,talk through,talk about,exchange views on,exchange views about,thrash out,argue,argue about,argue the pros and cons of,dispute,wrangle over,bandy words concerning,contend over,contest,controvert,moot,kick about,kick around,bat about,bat around,altercate