argue

verb

ar·gue | \ ˈär-(ˌ)gyü

argued; arguing

Definition of argue

intransitive verb

1 : to give reasons for or against something : reason argue for a new policy

2 : to contend or disagree in words : dispute They're always arguing about money.

transitive verb

1 : to give evidence of : indicate The facts argue his innocence.

2 : to consider the pros and cons of : discuss argue an issue

3 : to prove or try to prove by giving reasons : maintain asking for a chance to argue his case

4 : to persuade by giving reasons : induce couldn't argue her out of going

Other Words from argue Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about argue

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Choose the Right Synonym for argue

discuss, argue, debate 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 argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held. argued that the project would be too costly debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties debated the merits of the amendment ; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself. I'm debating whether I should go

Examples of argue in a Sentence

She argued against the proposed law. The senator argued in favor of lowering taxes. He's always willing to argue for what is right. She argued that the proposed law should be defeated. He argued that it's far too early to make a decision. No one can argue me out of doing this. They started arguing about politics. She would argue with anyone.

Recent Examples on the Web

Zeigler argues that too many unknowns exist about the future private concessionaire and their authority over the project, which won’t be known for months. — al.com, "Grassroots push looks to trip up legislation punishing toll scofflaws in Alabama," 9 June 2019 But modern economics, the author argues, dismisses ethics in favour of a narrow focus on self-interest. — The Economist, "The trouble with economics," 8 June 2019 Kevin Hassett, Trump’s chief economist, argues the global slowdown is weighing on the United States but that the underlying fundamentals still point to a very strong year. — Washington Post, "Job growth sputters in May, but Wall Street rallies as investors bank on Fed rescue," 8 June 2019 The American Medical Association argues that fetal tissue should be treated like any other tissue that is obtained in a medical procedure. — Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, The Mercury News, "Editorial: Blocking fetal tissue research is shortsighted," 7 June 2019 Gentile argues Alotaibi's trial attorney should have asked to have the jury consider a charge carrying a top sentence of five years. — Fox News, "Nevada judge asked for sentencing do-over for Saudi inmate," 7 June 2019 The remaining claim, that The Post implied Sandmann assaulted Phillips, is baseless, The Post argues. — Max Londberg, Cincinnati.com, "Court date set in Nick Sandmann's defamation case against Washington Post," 7 June 2019 Xavier argues that the mutants and humans share a common interest and can co-exist. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, "Let's Talk About the Ending of Dark Phoenix," 7 June 2019 The Vermont senator argues that the growth the president boasts about still leaves behind rural and Rust Belt voters whose disillusion over job losses and low wages helped power the Republican into the White House three years ago. — Laura Litvan, Fortune, "Bernie Sanders Rips 'Grotesque' Greed and 'Starvation Wages' at Walmart Shareholder Meeting," 5 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'argue.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for argue

Last Updated

13 Jun 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for argue

The first known use of argue was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for argue

argue

verb

English Language Learners Definition of argue

: to give reasons for or against something : to say or write things in order to change someone's opinion about what is true, what should be done, etc.

: to cause (someone) to decide to do or not do something by giving reasons

: to disagree or fight by using angry words

See the full definition for argue in the English Language Learners Dictionary

argue

verb

ar·gue | \ ˈär-gyü

argued; arguing