Entry Word: argument

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions <the couple's arguments were often loud enough to be heard all over the neighborhood>

Synonyms altercation, bicker, brawl, cross fire, disagreement, dispute, falling-out, fight, hassle, misunderstanding, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle

Related Words clash, run-in, skirmish, tussle; feud, vendetta; attack, contention, dissension; controversy, debate; fuss, objection, protest, protestation; affray, feud, fisticuffs, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee

2 a statement given to explain a belief or act <gave a solid argument for the redeeming value of the violent movie> — see reason 1
3 an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue <the president of the Senate has allotted a week for the argument of the treaty> — see discussion 1
4 an idea or opinion that is put forth in a discussion or debate <it's my argument that we shouldn't be assigned homework on Friday> — see contention