argue

verb

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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 According to the document, on July 25, 2017, the couple began arguing about Kenneth Manzanares’ behavior that evening. — Washington Post, "Utah man to plead guilty in wife’s death on Alaska cruise," 4 Feb. 2020 But many argue that’s the market’s job: If the demand is there, the supply will be, too. — Sarah Bowman, Indianapolis Star, "The controversial 'coal bailout' bill could raise your rates. Here's what you should know.," 3 Feb. 2020 These communities, the government argues, provide cover for criminals given their inherent informal structure is difficult to police. — Yomi Kazeem, Quartz Africa, "Africa’s largest city has a habit of kicking out its poor to make room for the rich," 31 Jan. 2020 But that's not actually the case, the authors argue. — Chelsea Harvey, Scientific American, "The Worst Climate Scenarios May No Longer Be the Most Likely," 30 Jan. 2020 This is another lesson for the Democrats in 2020, who currently seem more interested in arguing over the minutiae of their health care plans than focusing on Donald Trump’s open assault on American democracy. — Garry Kasparov, The New York Review of Books, "A Popular Front to Stop Trump," 28 Jan. 2020 In the Senate process, these managers will make a case for Donald Trump's conviction, arguing against the president's lawyers for the Senate's final vote. — Mekita Rivas, refinery29.com, "Meet The First-Ever Women Impeachment Managers," 28 Jan. 2020 Here, Epic has taken the position of the fox arguing that chicken wire is a threat to chickens’ freedom to walk around. — Kenneth D. Mandl, STAT, "Epic’s call to block a proposed data rule is wrong for many reasons," 27 Jan. 2020 The Lady Broncos had an assistant coach ejected from the gym for two technicals, arguing the difference in the penalty situation, post player Lauren Temis was called for an intentional foul in the fourth period. — Robert Avery, Houston Chronicle, "FBCA girls topple Bay Area Christian to capture district championship," 25 Jan. 2020

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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Last Updated

7 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argue?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=a&file=argue001. Accessed 16 Feb. 2020.

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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