argument

noun

ar·​gu·​ment ˈär-gyə-mənt 

1

a

: the act or process of arguing, reasoning, or discussing : argumentation

b

: a coherent series of reasons, statements, or facts intended to support or establish a point of view

a defense attorney's closing argument

c

: an angry quarrel or disagreement

having an argument over/about money

trying to settle an argument

2

a

: a reason given for or against a matter under discussion

They presented their arguments in favor of the proposal.

b

: a form of rhetorical expression intended to convince or persuade

3

: an abstract (see abstract entry 2 sense 1) or summary especially of a literary work

4

: the subject matter especially of a literary work

5

a

mathematics : one of the independent variables upon whose value that of a function depends

b

grammar : a substantive (such as the direct object of a transitive verb) that is required by a predicate in grammar

c

mathematics : amplitude sense 4

6

obsolete : an outward sign : indication

Synonyms

• dispute
• quarrel
• disagreement
• altercation
• controversy
• fight
• bicker
• misunderstanding

Examples of argument in a Sentence

They made a compelling argument for our participation.

The committee presented strong arguments against building a new school.

a lawyer's closing argument at the trial

His argument did not convince his opponents.

Let us accept, for the sake of argument, that she is right.

Don't you want to hear both sides of the argument?

They were always getting into arguments about politics.

There were many arguments about the new design.

They settled an argument that started in class.

I don't want to hear any arguments about whether you'll go.

Recent Examples on the Web

Harry and William had a 72-hour argument via text in which William accused Harry of being brainwashed by therapy and Harry appealed unsuccessfully for William to join him for a session. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

Perils of progress The champions of the project make two arguments. —M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025

The Ravens made an argument for the NFL’s most talented team. —Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025

The judge leading the case, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, gave his guilty verdict first, with nearly five hours of evidence and argument on Tuesday. —Júlia Dias Carneiro, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin argūmentum, from arguere "to show, demonstrate" + -mentum -ment — more at argue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6

Phrases Containing argument

• counter-argument
• ontological argument

Rhymes for argument

• counterargument
• reargument

Kids Definition

argument

noun

ar·​gu·​ment ˈär-gyə-mənt 

1

a

: a reason for or against something

b

: a discussion in which arguments are presented : debate

2

: an angry disagreement : quarrel

Legal Definition

argument

noun

ar·​gu·​ment

1

: a reason or the reasoning given for or against a matter under discussion compare evidence, proof

2

: the act or process of arguing, reasoning, or discussing

especially : oral argument