argue

verb

ar·​gue ˈär-(ˌ)gyü How to pronounce argue (audio)
argued; arguing

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
arguer
ˈär-gyə-wər How to pronounce argue (audio)
-gyü-ər
noun
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 Routh's defense attorneys argued earlier this month that he should be released from custody ahead of trial, but a federal judge ordered him to remain behind bars. Robert Legare, CBS News, 30 Sep. 2024 Opponents argued that heavy-handed regulation would strangle the development of AI, and force AI companies to leave the state. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 Sep. 2024 In a class-action lawsuit, the longshoremen are arguing that the Singaporean companies should compensate them for wages lost while the port was closed in the aftermath of the disaster. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2024 Meanwhile, Bernstein analysts argued Starbucks’ new leadership could significantly increase earnings potential, and the turnaround may not need to be completed in order for the stock to perform. Julie Coleman, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for argue 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'argue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English arguen "to present reasons or arguments, assert," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French arguer, borrowed from Latin arguere "to show, demonstrate, allege, bring a charge against, convict," probably going back to Indo-European *h2orǵ-u-i̯e- "make clear" (whence also Hittite arkuu̯ae- "make a plea"), derivative of *h2erǵ- "bright, white" — more at argent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near argue

Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argue. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

argue

verb
ar·​gue ˈär-gyü How to pronounce argue (audio)
argued; arguing
1
: to give reasons for or against
argue in favor of lowering taxes
2
: to talk about some matter usually with different points of view
argue about politics
3
: to persuade by giving reasons
tried to argue their parents into getting a new car
arguer noun

Legal Definition

argue

verb
ar·​gue
argued; arguing

intransitive verb

1
: to give reasons for or against a matter in dispute
arguing for an extension
2
: to present a case in court
will argue for the defense

transitive verb

1
a
: to give reasons for or against
argued the issue before the judge
b
: to prove or try to prove by giving reasons or evidence
will argue invasion of privacy
2
: to present in court
lawyers in court filing briefs and arguing appealsRorie Sherman
arguable adjective

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!