ARGUE Synonyms: 183 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

argue

verb

ˈär-(ˌ)gyü

Definition of argue next

as in to contend

to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration argued that a bake sale would make a lot less money than a car wash

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Relevance

as in to bicker

to express different opinions about something often angrily that couple argues so incessantly it's a miracle they're still together

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as in to convince

to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests argued my boss into letting me telecommute for four days a week

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as in to discuss

to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion candidates arguing gun control in a nationally televised debate

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as in to confirm

to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of the security video argues that it was a taller man who entered the building

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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 In his first term, Mr. Trump terminated the status for about 400,000 people from El Salvador and other countries, arguing that conditions there had changed and that the protection was no longer warranted. —

Hamed Aleaziz, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Prosecutors countered Trump's claims of harm, arguing that his status as president-elect does not exempt him from facing legal consequences. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 TikTok argues that shutting down the media platform violates the free speech of the U.S. operation and the millions of Americans who use it daily, says NPR's Bobby Allyn. —

Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025 One label executive argued that Fanning and Parker belonged in jail, but there was no uniform response. —

Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 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
Free-speech advocates contend that the ban would violate First Amendment rights.

Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025