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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb argue contrast with its synonyms?

The words debate and discuss are common synonyms of argue. While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

When is it sensible to use debate instead of argue?

While in some cases nearly identical to argue, debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself.

debated the merits of the amendment
I'm debating whether I should go

When might discuss be a better fit than argue?

The synonyms discuss and argue are sometimes interchangeable, but discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of argue The report argues the plastics industry presents advanced recycling as new and groundbreaking, but processes for the chemical recycling of plastics were patented as early as the 1950s. Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 Trump and his cabinet have argued that temporary price hikes are a reasonable trade-off for future economic stability, and that American children can manage with fewer toys. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 But who could argue with that rotation policy watching Spurs play like this? Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 9 May 2025 The suit argues that the designation of Chuckwalla was an invalid use of the Antiquities Act, and also claims the Antiquities Act itself is unconstitutional. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for argue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue
Verb
  • In Piranha Plant Nap Mishap there are multiple alarm clocks with which to contend.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025
  • The Baltimore Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde Saturday after the team’s slow start to the 2025 season after contending for the American League East title last season.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • But if Trump follows through on his intent to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria, that may leave Israel and Turkey to bicker over the country without adult supervision.
    Shira Efron, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Morrow and Turner bickered their way in and out of romance amid the tundra and always called one another by their last names, which was weirdly endearing.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • His father just loved him and convinced him everything’s possible; in an Italian [household], these are clichés.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 15 May 2025
  • Once children were in an orphanage, parents could be convinced – or coerced – into relinquishing them for adoption.
    Time, Time, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • During a session for agents at the NFL Combine in February 2025, NFLPA officials referenced but did not discuss the action and seemed to indicate that CARD would take it up but did not provide any further details.
    Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • The tour guides will be trained to discuss this history with sensitivity, Bates-Lamborn explained.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Steve Burton confirms 'General Hospital' exit over vaccine mandate: This 'hurts'Need a break?
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • The Tiger King star confirmed the deportation of Flores via social media.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Rogers was later convicted of Cribbs' and Gallagher's murders but prosecutors didn't pursue him in Louisiana or Mississippi, reasoning at the time that he was being tried in the death penalty state of Florida and that justice was being served.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Had this law been in effect at the time, St. Louis could have asked, reasoned and acted — potentially saving Turner’s life.
    Mike Fox, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Families fight, yes, but there’s a mean streak here that feels misplaced.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 May 2025
  • Mothers whose children were killed by drunk drivers fight grief through Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or M.A.D.D.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • But when faced with high oil prices in 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Biden flew to the Middle Eastern kingdom to persuade it to ramp up oil production.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • For Syria’s new government, this will be their opportunity to persuade the new administration to do business with a country coming out of a devastating 13-year civil war and mend ties with a leader who was once aligned with the Islamic State and al Qaeda.
    Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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