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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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 Trump's announcement of Gaetz as his pick for attorney general came just two days before the Ethics Committee was set to meet to discuss whether to release a report detailing its years-long investigation into the Florida Republican. —

Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2024 Gaetz, who has been mostly tight-lipped since being nominated, met with GOP senators at the Capitol on Wednesday before briefly discussing his meetings with reporters. —

Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 Webster Financial Corporation's report discusses various financial metrics, including a return on average assets of 1.01% and a return on average tangible common stockholders' equity of 14.29%. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 Skidmore College psychologist Sheldon Solomon discusses Ernest Becker’s ‘The Denial of Death’ and terror management theory in the context of humanity’s history of brutal behavior. —

Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for discuss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss

Verb

Experts have long debated whether a vegan diet is appropriate for kids.

Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
In Michigan, the tipping system has been highly debated.

Annalise Frank, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024