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 Are there purists that would argue against that point? — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Doc's Morning Line: The good and bad from the UC Bearcats' opening loss to Ohio State," 7 Nov. 2019 The drug maker asked the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to examine the patents, which AIDS activists have argued would entitle the government to collect royalties from Gilead and use the funds to combat the virus. — Ed Silverman, STAT, "HHS sues Gilead for refusing to reach a licensing deal over patents for HIV prevention pills," 7 Nov. 2019 But first Scorsese will have to convince voters to sit through his movie; Baumbach will have to persuade them that his film is fiction and not fact; and Meirelles will have to do the opposite: argue credibly that his picture is fact and not fiction. — Stephen Galloway, The Hollywood Reporter, "Oscars: Can Netflix Land Three Best Picture Nominations?," 7 Nov. 2019 Proponents argue Chicago's efforts encourage cooperation between local police and immigrant communities. — Fox News, "Chicago's top cop Eddie Johnson considering retirement, he says," 6 Nov. 2019 President Trump announced in 2017 that the US would ditch the Paris deal, which he's argued would punish American workers and enrich foreign countries. — Michelle Krupa, CNN, "5 things to know for November 5: Climate crisis, Oklahoma, Impeachment, Greece, New Delhi," 5 Nov. 2019 The lawyer who argued the case on Trump’s behalf before the appeals court did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. — Larry Neumeister, The Denver Post, "Appeals court agrees Trump tax returns can be turned over," 4 Nov. 2019 Weak investment figures are particularly irksome to economists in the Trump administration, who argued that the president’s tax reform would encourage a boom in business spending. — The Economist, "America’s economy is resisting the pull of recession," 31 Oct. 2019 The president blames the Fed for raising interest rates four times last year - to a level close to 2.5% - which Trump argues caused companies to pull back on spending. — Heather Long, Anchorage Daily News, "Federal Reserve cuts interest rate for third time this year in effort to boost U.S. economy," 30 Oct. 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

14 Nov 2019

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