arguments

Definition of argumentsnext
plural of argument
1
2
as in explanations
a statement given to explain a belief or act gave a solid argument for the redeeming value of the shockingly violent movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in contentions
an idea or opinion that is put forth in a discussion or debate it's my argument that we have too many problems here on earth to concern ourselves with manned trips to Mars

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 arguments During oral arguments, several conservative justices questioned the legal foundation and practical enforcement of the policy, which aims to deny citizenship to some children born in the United States to undocumented or temporary immigrant parents. Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 In February, Tobolowsky heard an hour of arguments before denying the motions to dismiss that were filed by two Gateway elders, according to the Texas Lawbook. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026 While not issuing a quick rejection, key conservative justices seemed skeptical of the administration’s arguments for its legality. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026 Supreme Court justices seemed skeptical of the White House’s position during a Wednesday hearing where Solicitor General Dean John Sauer and American Civil Liberties Union legal director Cecilia Wang, who is herself a birthright citizen, gave oral arguments. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026 Trump attended the investiture ceremonies for Justices Neil Gorsuch (2017) and Brett Kavanaugh (2018), as well as a 2020 ceremony for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but not live oral arguments. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 Wednesday's arguments concluded after about two hours. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026 Ultimately, a lack of Democratic support for weakening the filibuster prevented them from passing that legislation, but Republicans were also vehemently opposed and leaned on arguments about protecting states’ rights. David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026 During opening arguments, Mark Lanier presented the jury internal company documents from Meta and YouTube that showed tech executives knew of and discussed the negative effects of their products on children. Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arguments
Noun
  • Each lawsuit was a settlement, meaning the city did not lose a lawsuit but instead chose to pay the plaintiff to end litigation and resolve the disputes out of court.
    Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Together with its licensing, rulemaking, and market oversight responsibilities, these enforcement tools help maintain standards within the brokerage industry and provide investors with mechanisms for addressing disputes.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There’s plenty of explanations.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Siple notes that many are drawn to the clarity of her explanations, particularly those who prefer a structured and analytical understanding of how the mind functions.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Mayor John Laesch said that, although discussions are still in their early stages, the property owner has seemed interested in working with the city or a nonprofit to get the sign lit back up, and also possibly donating the sign to the city.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • European defense officials are also in advanced discussions to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz once the war ends, sources told the New York Times.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • An administration official would make a claim about what happened, and later evidence would find these contentions to be misleading.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
  • However, the reality is that peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US and Europe are clearly stalled, if at worse dead with many contentions from both sides surrounding security concerns and, importantly, trade sanctions.
    Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The dynamic left senators convinced that the deal was the only way to move past their disagreements and reopen the Homeland Security Department.
    Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
  • There were disagreements over his war with Iran, pride over his immigration crackdown and lots of encouragement to avoid infighting as the Republican Party faces a difficult midterm election.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In this case, that blend of tradition and artistic interpretation resulted in a final product that stood out—if not entirely for the reasons the bride expected.
    Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • One of the reasons American troops would be vulnerable on Kharg Island is its close proximity to the Iranian mainland, from which missiles, drones and artillery could be fired.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • These are sacred debates reflecting the unfinished work of liberation.
    Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • There may be some debates, election posturing and shenanigans along the way.
    Staff reports, AJC.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Scientifically, though, there’s nothing true about these assertions at all.
    Big Think, Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Testimony by Termini and Miles is intended to directly rebut DraftKings’ assertions and to help convince Judge Pratt that DraftKings’ use of NCAA trademarks is atypical, unauthorized and warranting of a TRO.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arguments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arguments. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on arguments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster