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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 Opponents raised concerns about the cost of new construction and long-term debt, arguing that renovations could have addressed the library’s deficiencies. Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025 However, Ramaswamy's campaign has pushed back against these results, arguing that the Republican hopeful has a wider appeal and that the poll is too narrow to reflect that. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025 Cruz argued Carlson didn’t challenge Fuentes enough on his antisemitic claims. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025 Some may read this intro and roll their eyes, arguing that Lawrence’s patented self-deprecation and casual dorkiness are a big act. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for argue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue
Verb
  • Many contend that those targeted during the purges were not communists but ethnic Chinese, or anyone with left wing views.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Anderson himself is expected to seriously contend for his first-ever Oscar victory, after 11 prior noms, in both the directing and writing categories.
    Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The prosecutor told jurors that Flores had been bickering with and mocking the man, who was heavily restrained and moving slowly, while escorting him to a courthouse holding cell after the man had a court hearing last August.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The pair bicker and bond their way through the whimsical Panda Kingdom, a vibrant world that blends the everyday with the extraordinary, carrying animals and humans alike into something at once magical and mundane.
    Ben Croll, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But Weber was always convinced that what his apparatuses were seeing was a real signal.
    Big Think, Big Think, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The designations helped the campaign figure out which kinds of ads would appeal to certain voters — and convince them to go to the polls or stay home.
    David Smiley, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Previous Japanese leaders have avoided discussing Taiwan in the context of a military response.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025
  • In a May promo clip introducing the Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance RC65, New Balance’s global VP of lifestyle and basketball, Brian Lynn, discussed the origins of the new model.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • However, in a bright spot for Sony, a sequel to the movie has already been confirmed, with Netflix reportedly providing the Japanese company a $15 million cash bonus for the first film’s performance.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Family members confirmed to Sacramento television station KCRA that the man found at the apartment was McClintic.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In particular, researchers have been exploring the extent to which language models can reason about language itself.
    Steve Nadis, Quanta Magazine, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The bride tried to reason, insisting her niece was perfect for the role.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Barton gave the jury the impression of a man prepared to go into daily combat on numerous fronts, constantly fighting one battle after another, in service of his principles.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Players fought, fought, fought, gave us every chance in the world.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • For their part, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere each worked hard to persuade Irishmen, Hessians, Indigenous people, and former slaves to defect to the patriot side.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The Running Point actress was spotted shopping for holiday presents last December with a hands-free bag strapped across her body, and just one 12-second TikTok clip persuaded us to dole out some change on a purse that’s just like hers.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

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