discuss

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

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 discuss The health and long term success of the Connecticut River watershed will be discussed at an all day summit next week in Middletown, officials said. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2025 The matter came up again in August 2022 when the Town Council planned to discuss closing the court Sept. 30, 2022, at a Town Council meeting. Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 Musk responds to demonstrations and Tesla stock’s plunge Musk has publicly discussed Tesla’s stock and the acts of vandalism against Tesla vehicles and showrooms. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025 Macron, 47, visited the Oval Office for a Feb. 24 meeting with Trump, 78, where the two presidents discussed Russia and Ukraine's three-year war — with a focus on resolving which country is responsible financially for supplying aid to Ukraine. Angel Saunders, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • Callahan said the uncertainty is why many are debating whether to buy or sell shares and why companies such as Klarna, StubHub and Chime are reportedly delaying their initial public offerings.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • At that time, the members will debate three options.
    Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Now, perhaps swayed by Trump’s popular vote victory – the first for a Republican candidate in 20 years – many US conservatives appear to have changed their position, arguing the US is more a democracy than a republic.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The states — California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New York and Wisconsin — said organizations within their states received the grants and argued the terminations violated a federal law that governs the agency rulemaking process.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Haas, Tyron, and Gutierrez remain in police custody at the Smith County Jail in Tyler, Texas, according to inmate records reviewed by PEOPLE this week.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Will the policy be reviewed? April 3, 2025 4:00 AM See all stories 208-703-8818 Alex Brizee covers Criminal Justice for the Idaho Statesman.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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