argue

verb ar·gue \ ˈär-(ˌ)gyü \

Definition of argue

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

play \-gyə-wər, -gyü-ər\ noun

See argue defined for English-language learners

See argue defined for kids

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 of argue from the Web

The S&WB also argued it had not been given enough time to uncover evidence to support its case.

— richard rainey, NOLA.com, "Court won't let Sewerage & Water Board shift blame for damage from Uptown drainage projects," 30 Aug. 2017
The EU argues that the ECJ should be able to deal with cases after the U.K. leaves if the facts occurred beforehand.

— ian wishart, Bloomberg.com, "Devil in the Detail: Why Brexit Talks Are Making Little Progress," 30 Aug. 2017
Clark’s lawyers had argued the DNA evidence was contaminated over the years and unreliable to support a conviction.

— marc freeman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Guilty verdict in 1987 cold case murder; prosecutors seeking death penalty," 29 Aug. 2017
The demonstrative Italian was distracted on the sidelines, arguing with the fourth official over a foul that had not been given.

— SI.com, "The Amusing Reason Why Conte Missed Alvaro Morata's Goal Against Everton Is Revealed," 28 Aug. 2017
For more than a century, many American thinkers have argued that something fundamental is reflected in the realities of biology.

— harry bruinius, The Christian Science Monitor, "Meritocracy and the history of the science of biological differences," 26 Aug. 2017
If draft cocktails—as many would argue—represent a reversal of the over-the-top artisanal mixologist movement, what gives?

— julia black, Bon Appetit, "What Is a Draft Cocktail, Anyway?," 24 Aug. 2017
Defense attorneys argued the donations were made without any intention of influencing Lake County's top cop and that it was all set up by the FBI.

— craig lyons, Post-Tribune, "Jury: Buncich guilty on all counts in sheriff corruption case," 24 Aug. 2017
Growing organoids from those samples would be relatively simple, argued Beekman, who has since spearheaded the project.

— gunjan sinha, Science | AAAS, "This scientist is building miniature guts, livers, and lungs that could save your life one day," 23 Aug. 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of argue

Middle English, from Anglo-French arguer to reprove, argue & Latin arguere to demonstrate, prove; Anglo-French arguer, from Latin argutare to prate, frequentative of arguere; akin to Hittite arkuwai- to plead, respond

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

argue Synonyms

Synonyms

assert, contend, maintain, plead, reason

Antonyms

disprove, rebut, refute

Related Words

adduce, cite, mention; claim, insist; affirm, aver, avouch, avow; advance, give, offer, propose, submit; advise, counsel, recommend, suggest, urge; convince, persuade; advocate, champion, defend, enforce, espouse, support; explain, justify, rationalize; consider, debate, discuss; confute, counter, disprove, rebut, refute

Near Antonyms

coexist, get along; accept, agree, assent, concur, consent

Synonym Discussion of 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

ARGUE Defined for English Language Learners

argue

verb

Definition of argue for English Language Learners

: 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

ARGUE Defined for Kids

argue

verb ar·gue \ ˈär-gyü \

Definition of argue for Students

argued; arguing

1 :to discuss some matter usually with different points of view

His parents argue about politics.

2 :to give reasons for or against something

The Senator argued in favor of lower taxes.

3 :to persuade by giving reasons

No one can argue me out of doing this.

4 :to disagree or fight using angry words :quarrel

They argue about everything.

—

arguer

noun

Law Dictionary

argue

verb ar·gue

legal Definition of argue

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 appeals
—Rorie Sherman

—

arguable

adjective

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Origin and Etymology of argue

argue Synonyms

Synonyms

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ARGUE Defined for English Language Learners

argue

Definition of argue for English Language Learners

ARGUE Defined for Kids

argue

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arguer

Law Dictionary

argue

legal Definition of argue

arguable

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