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

Meanwhile, the judge also heard arguments about whether Kohberger may pose a danger to others. —Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

Bob Herman Dec 1, 2021 - Health Supreme Court weighs whether hospital drug cuts are valid The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday about whether the federal government had the authority to cut hospitals' payments for outpatient drugs. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

Lawsuits pertaining to voter registration and other matters hint at arguments that could emerge in post-election legal cases. —The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Well, honestly, Bob, there is no policy argument for changing the rule, or at least no good argument. —Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

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

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