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

• altercation
• argle-bargle [chiefly British]
• argy-bargy [chiefly British]
• battle royal
• bicker
• brawl
• contretemps
• controversy
• cross fire
• disagreement
• dispute
• donnybrook
• falling-out
• fight
• hassle
• imbroglio
• kickup
• misunderstanding
• quarrel
• rhubarb
• row
• scrap
• set-to
• spat
• squabble
• tiff
• wrangle

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

Apologizing for your role in an argument—which doesn’t mean taking all of the blame—is a shortcut to a peaceful resolution. —Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Mar. 2025

The three-judge panel heard arguments over whether Boasberg could impose restrictions on the Trump administration and whether the administration was correct in its arguments for the AEA's implementation. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025

But the Tax Court ruled solidly for the taxpayer and rejected all the IRS arguments. —Robert W. Wood, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Much of the argument concerning discovery turns on the text message exchange and the op-ed. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 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