discuss

verb

dis·​cuss di-ˈskəs 

discussed; discussing; discusses

transitive verb

1

a

: to talk about

discussing the news of the day

b

: to investigate by reasoning or argument

discuss the matter with your family

c

: to present in detail for examination or consideration

as discussed in the text

2

obsolete : declare

… discuss the same in French unto him.

—Shakespeare

3

obsolete : dispel

discussable adjective

or discussible

di-ˈskə-sə-bəl 

discusser noun

Synonyms of discuss

• debate
• argue
• review

Choose the Right Synonym for discuss

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 discuss in a Sentence

She discussed the plan with several colleagues.

They held a meeting to discuss the future of the company.

We'll discuss where to meet later.

Have you discussed the matter with your family?

In the first chapter, the author discusses childcare issues.

The article discusses the theory in depth.

Recent Examples on the Web

The virtual conversation, moderated by Williams and SHOF Chairman Nile Rodgers, brings together nominees for Best Original Song from the Academy Awards to discuss their writing process and how music shapes storytelling on screen. —Bryan West, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026

Investigators were still working to identify the man and a possible motive, said the person who could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity. —Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026

Price-Isuk also recommends having a family member or loved one with you when visiting a doctor to discuss screening options and concerns. —Joe Van Ryn, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

The Senate Education and Youth Committee meets to discuss House Bill 1284, which would require local school boards to award high school diplomas to students who are diagnosed with a terminal condition. —Adam Beam, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French discusser, from Latin discussus, past participle of discutere to disperse, from dis- apart + quatere to shake — more at dis-, quash

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for discuss

• pileus
• bus
• buss
• cuss
• fuss
• glace
• huss
• plus
• pus
• russ
• sus
• suss

Kids Definition

discuss

verb

dis·​cuss dis-ˈkəs 

1

: to consider carefully and openly by reasoning or argument

discuss a proposal

2

: to talk about

discuss the weather