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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb argue contrast with its synonyms?

The words debate and discuss are common synonyms of argue. While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

When is it sensible to use debate instead of argue?

While in some cases nearly identical to argue, debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself.

debated the merits of the amendment
I'm debating whether I should go

When might discuss be a better fit than argue?

The synonyms discuss and argue are sometimes interchangeable, but discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of argue People argue about how much space a birder should give to its target, and whether baiting them with food is appropriate. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Sep. 2025 After a few seconds of arguing, Drew could be seen giving in to the upset fan, reaching into his son's glove for the baseball and giving it to the woman. Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 Officials argue that this ensures the US benefits financially from visitors who fail to follow visa rules, and the visa, once obtained, is valid for several years. Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 According to reports by The Moscow Times, members of the local Communist Party are arguing that the restrictions violate their constitutional rights to freedom of communication. PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for argue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue
Verb
  • The administration contends the law is unconstitutional, asserting an expansive view of presidential power that could prompt the Supreme Court to overturn what remains of its 90-year-old precedent upholding such removal protections.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers went into Sunday having lost seven of their last eight games against non-contending teams.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Coaches are also bickering about money, a topic that would have felt out of place 10 years ago.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The crew members bicker among themselves.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While speaking on a panel at the opening of the movie, which details the life and career of actor John Candy, who died at 43 in 1994, Reynolds revealed that his 2-year-old son, Olin, played a key part in convincing Bill Murray, 74, to have a role in the documentary.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • His life was going nowhere, until his brother Scott dragged him off the couch and convinced Dean to sign up with his acting coach, Bill Esper.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The gathering, billed as a briefing rather than a fullblown hearing, included a slate of experts in science, defense and technology who discussed with members of Congress how understanding the unexplained phenomena could lead to scientific breakthroughs and enhance national security.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Still, Highmark would not discuss L’s case in any detail, citing patient privacy.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 200-acre campus, now called Aspiria, is a contender for a potential Royals ballpark after the team confirmed that an affiliate purchased the mortgage of the campus in the spring, giving the team some financial leverage over the site.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the victim as Daniella Weisman from Glencoe, a spokesperson confirms to PEOPLE.
    Jillian Frankel, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Although the political protests in Los Angeles included some violence, the judge reasoned that the violence did not rise to a rebellion and did not prevent a traditional police response.
    Luke William Hunt, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The reaction was limited as investors reasoned that the recent ADP data was weak enough for the Federal Reserve to justify a September rate cut, but not soft enough to herald a recession.
    Sean Conlon,Sarah Min, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Among other resources, two engines have also been deployed to fight the wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Her grandfather served in World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But much like Howard Jarvis feared, the tax-and-spend interests have sought to destroy Proposition 13 ever since, most recently by persuading courts to carve loopholes in its constitutional protections and invent new ways for government agencies to raise revenue.
    Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Elizabeth Stage, whose Oakland hills home barely escaped the deadly 1991 firestorm, and whose work as president of the Oakland FireSafe Council involves persuading residents to adopt Zone 0 measures, said the study would be a helpful, persuasive tool.
    Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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