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 Putin also discussed Iran's nuclear program with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said during his visit to Moscow, the Kremlin said, as Oman continues its mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 These topics and more will continue to be discussed leading up to the draft. Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 It is not believed to be on the agenda at its quarterly meetings in Zimbabwe from April 11-13, but likely to be discussed, perhaps informally. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Howell discussed the increasing strain on Hollywood producers. Lauren Coates, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • Before the second tribal council, players in David's group debated between either voting out Cedrek McFadden or Shauhin Davari.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The origins of the pandemic have been hotly debated since its start.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And some would argue that the lawsuits from NYT and others against OpenAI or other model companies represent a case of this.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The anti-Amendment 4 website hosted by the Agency for Health Care Administration led to court challenges from people who argued the state was improperly using its official power, including one case in front of the Florida Supreme Court.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Both acquisitions were reviewed and cleared by the FTC at the time.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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