Thesaurus results for DISCUSS

Q: How does the verb 'discuss' contrast with its synonyms?

The words argue and debate are common synonyms of discuss . While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con. // discussed the need for a new highway

Q: When can 'argue' be used instead of 'discuss'?

Although the words argue and discuss have much in common, argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held. // argued that the project would be too costly

Q: When would 'debate' be a good substitute for 'discuss'?

The synonyms debate and discuss are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

discuss

verb

di-ˈskəs

Definition of discuss next

as in to debate

to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion we discussed the new proposal for the school stadium

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discuss contrast with its synonyms?

The words argue and debate are common synonyms of discuss. While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

When can argue be used instead of discuss?

Although the words argue and discuss have much in common, argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

When would debate be a good substitute for discuss?

The synonyms debate and discuss are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 discuss Three board members discussed a plan to split the district during a closed meeting in December, according to two trustees, but the plan did not become public until last week, when a Fort Worth city council member spoke out about the proposal. —

Cody Copeland and, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025 The pair then discuss the best portrayals of Winston Churchill on screen, as well as their trip to Berlin. —

Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 L’Oréal executives would not discuss forecasts, but industry sources estimate Ella Ella will generate 40 million euros in first-year retail sales. —

Jennifer Weil, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for discuss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss

Verb

Legislators spent actual time debating the cannibalism bill.

Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 10 Jan. 2025
The budget increased, but debate rages over cuts to some positions Was the LAFD budget cut?

Letters to the Editor, Orange County Register, 10 Jan. 2025