ARGUE Synonyms: 183 Similar and Opposite Words

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

The words debate and discuss are common synonyms of argue . While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held. // argued that the project would be too costly

Q: When is it sensible to use 'debate' instead of 'argue'?

While in some cases nearly identical to argue , 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

Q: When might 'discuss' be a better fit than 'argue'?

The synonyms discuss and argue are sometimes interchangeable, but discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con. // discussed the need for a new highway

argue

verb

ˈär-(ˌ)gyü

Definition of argue next

as in to contend

to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration argued that a bake sale would make a lot less money than a car wash

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to bicker

to express different opinions about something often angrily that couple argues so incessantly it's a miracle they're still together

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to convince

to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests argued my boss into letting me telecommute for four days a week

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to discuss

to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion candidates arguing gun control in a nationally televised debate

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to confirm

to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of the security video argues that it was a taller man who entered the building

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb argue contrast with its synonyms?

The words debate and discuss are common synonyms of argue. While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

When is it sensible to use debate instead of argue?

While in some cases nearly identical to argue, 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

When might discuss be a better fit than argue?

The synonyms discuss and argue are sometimes interchangeable, but discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

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 argue Republicans have argued that the fault lies with the Democrats for not sending the bills to Whitmer’s desk. —

Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Jan. 2025 But Adams, like Trump, has also argued that the charges were politically motivated. —

Jared Gans, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2025 Traditionalists would likely argue that winning the conference should be rewarded but the goal is to find the best team in the country, and the playoff should be set up to make teams earn their way into the biggest game of the year. —

Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025 On Wednesday, Medina pleaded for leniency, with his lawyer Joseph Veith arguing that his client returned to his old habits of fraud on 2023 after seven years staying out of trouble because of his gambling addiction and mental illness. —

John Annese, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for argue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue

Verb

The club put him on waivers last season but no contending clubs bit.

— Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025
At the meeting, housing advocates contended that the county‘s waiver proposal would slash too many restrictions, bypassing laws aimed at solving the region’s affordable housing crisis.

— Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2025