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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

Examples 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 Republicans have argued that the fault lies with the Democrats for not sending the bills to Whitmer’s desk. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Jan. 2025 But Adams, like Trump, has also argued that the charges were politically motivated. Jared Gans, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2025 Traditionalists would likely argue that winning the conference should be rewarded but the goal is to find the best team in the country, and the playoff should be set up to make teams earn their way into the biggest game of the year. Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025 On Wednesday, Medina pleaded for leniency, with his lawyer Joseph Veith arguing that his client returned to his old habits of fraud on 2023 after seven years staying out of trouble because of his gambling addiction and mental illness. John Annese, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for argue 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue
Verb
  • Now after not knowing if her career was over, Prince could contend for an All-American spot, just like Van Lith, who is averaging 18.3 points and a career-high 6.2 assists.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The suit, submitted in U.S. District Court, contends that Black voters, who represent nearly one-third of the county's electorate, face significant barriers to electing candidates of their choice under the current system.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Lovers bicker back and forth in angelic proclamations.
    Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The latest fracas between bickering foes India and Pakistan has finally ended after a resolution was resolved following months of warring almost jeopardized the upcoming Champions Trophy.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • For Schottenheimer to have a prayer to succeed, his first priority will not be to convince the players to follow his direction, and wishes, but his boss.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025
  • There's no telling yet if Trump's plan can set up a better version of Project Texas or convince China to sign off on a TikTok sale.
    Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Immigration as a major issue But when asked about other issues, such as cybersecurity or domestic terrorism, Noem often pivoted to discussing border security.
    Lexie Schapitl, NPR, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Trump has also discussed taking back the Panama Canal, where China controls two of five ports.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Many encouraged Garcia to confirm the pregnancy with a doctor.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Nelly will be performing at president-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural ball on Monday (Jan. 20), an inside source has confirmed to Billboard.
    Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Last week, the lab launched r1, a reasoning model that surpassed OpenAI’s newest o1 in several third-party tests.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2025
  • That answer may not satisfy critics who want young major leaguers to shine right away, but Reese reasoned that league-wide interest in Yankees personnel is evidence that player development is doing something right.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In 2169, Andrea fights to break down the wall that surrounds Porto 01.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025
  • But Wong fought his case all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled on March 28, 1898, that the 14th Amendment guaranteed U.S. citizenship to Wong and any other person born on U.S. soil.
    Russell Contreras, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s self-assuredness in his ability to persuade and coerce a new Axis of Evil is a major perceptional error.
    Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Just two Republican senators — Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — voted against advancing Hegseth’s nomination; Democrats are still seeking to persuade others to join them for the final vote, citing accusations about his conduct.
    Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near argue

Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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