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 Despite countless studies demonstrating key differences in strength and lung capacity between the two sexes, activists argue there's no conclusive evidence that transgender women hold any innate advantage over biological women. — Joseph Simonson, Washington Examiner, "States set for clash with Biden administration over transgender athletes," 23 Feb. 2021 Many argue reducing pollution is worth more than road funds that would have been raised. — The Salt Lake Tribune, "Utah House kills bill to hike fees on electric, hybrid vehicles," 22 Feb. 2021 Many argue that this training is an unnecessary burden on doctors. — Nickolas D. Zaller, STAT, "Eliminating buprenorphine training for doctors won’t solve the overdose epidemic," 22 Feb. 2021 Some experts argue that reducing deaths and severe illness is a better and more achievable goal than full herd immunity, and ramping up vaccinations is still the best way to do that. — New York Times, "When Could the United States Reach Herd Immunity? It’s Complicated.," 20 Feb. 2021 Critics argue that now isn't the time for a hefty wage increase. — Paul Wiseman, ajc, "Biden's $15 wage proposal: Job killer or a boon for workers?," 17 Feb. 2021 Critics argue that now isn't the time for a hefty wage increase. — Arkansas Online, "Biden's $15 wage proposal: Job killer or a boon for workers?," 17 Feb. 2021 Republicans and Trump’s lawyers argue that the trial is unnecessary, and even unconstitutional, because Trump is no longer president and cannot be removed from office. — Mary Clare Jalonick, Anchorage Daily News, "EXPLAINER: How Trump’s second impeachment trial will work," 6 Feb. 2021 Some parents argue the underlying issue is that many teachers do not want to return to classrooms. — Washington Post, "Pandemic learning takes another turn: Will teachers be in person in classrooms?," 6 Feb. 2021

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

1 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argue. Accessed 9 Mar. 2021.

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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