1
2
3
4
5

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 Molo argued that his request for an extension does not prejudice class counsel’s motion for attorney’s fees, which has not been ruled on by the court, and is stayed until all appeals are decided. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025 Justice Amy Coney Barrett argued only the Supreme Court can provide such universal relief. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 27 June 2025 However, many argue the full effects of elevated tariffs haven't shown up in the data yet. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 15 June 2025 Kompany argued against that approach in the pre-game press conference yesterday, pointing to his experience playing with the national team against smaller nations. Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for argue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue
Verb
  • Abrego Garcia denies being a member of the gang and contends the charges don’t justify holding him in jail.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 July 2025
  • Parker and Stone contend that incoming Skydance-Paramount president Jeff Shell is attempting to tank outside bids for the next round of South Park’s digital rights, which remain under Paramount for two more years.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • In 2012, surviving members of the Beach Boys reunited for a 50th anniversary album, which quickly hit the Top 10 before the group again bickered and separated.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 June 2025
  • Vance memes, framing the vice president as the troubled child of bickering parents.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • Kubler convinced Rucker’s wife to take out a $14 million life insurance policy to generate fees and commission that Kubler paid to himself as the placing agent, according to the lawsuit.
    Sydney Sasser, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • In a survey of 404 regular users of AI companionship apps, researchers at MIT Media Lab found that 12 percent of respondents initially sought out these systems to cope with loneliness, and 14 percent used them to discuss personal or mental-health issues.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Consider discussing with your healthcare provider how your diet can impact your joint pain.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Refrain from clicking on any links in emails or websites without confirming the authenticity of the sender.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • As officials continue to confirm deaths and search for those missing after the Texas Hill Country floods on Friday, locals have started to share stories of incredible acts of bravery and heroism amid a weekend of anguish.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • One promising approach is the use of AI agents—autonomous systems that can reason, act and drive outcomes across the sales cycle.
    Anand Shah, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • If a company has the ability to drive growing earnings over the long term, investors will eventually recognize the success and bid up the stock price, Buffett reasoned in his 1987 letter to Berkshire shareholders.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The city argued the policy was confidential, and would interfere with the department’s ability to fight crime.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2025
  • The fire has been fought by 16 engines, seven water tenders, three dozers and three hand crews.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • As the relationship between the young couple became more serious, Sarah’s parents tried to show him the best of Kansas City in the hopes that Yaron — who grew up in Germany and Israel — might be persuaded to stay in the US.
    Wolf Blitzer, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
  • Even with that new path looming, though, his father, Ignacio, persuaded him to attend one last tryout in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo that would be scouted by all 30 MLB teams.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on argue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!