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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 process can be slow, and most people in immigration detention and in immigration court do not have legal representation to argue the particulars of their cases. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 19 Oct. 2025 Smith had argued that leaving resource allocation to market forces fostered efficient resource use. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025 No question, a strong fiscal response was necessary — but, as many argued at the time, it should’ve been reversed in due course. Editorial, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025 However, Democrats argue that Republicans are to blame for being unwilling to negotiate a spending deal that includes Obamacare tax credits, per CNN. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for argue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue
Verb
  • For the last several years, award-winning filmmaker Richard Ladkani has been at work on a pair of films, among them the current Oscar-contending Yanuni, about a woman Indigenous leader who is fighting to save the Brazilian Amazon at great personal risk.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Defensively, the Bills are not good enough to truly contend for a Super Bowl — at least not yet.
    Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Roberts and Tim Robbins play American journalists in Paris who lose their luggage and bicker over a hotel room and then wind up in bed together.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That’s especially true in the Chiefs’ case, since fans are convinced this is another example of the NFL actively helping Kansas City.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In the end, Kate convinces the prime minister to bury both the sub and the Poseidon in concrete on the ocean floor, instead of it getting taken away.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But sources told Fortune that these cuts are being discussed differently internally than the typical URA process.
    Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • At this year’s Latin Music Week, multiple companies will offer their expertise and their artists to discuss new philosophies and actions to develop artists for the long term.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In response to a Star inquiry, the State Department confirmed Arrington’s role in obtaining the replica and described the former director as helpful and knowledgeable.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The legendary, beloved actress has died at 79, it was confirmed on Saturday.
    Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Whether giving many people a lot of false beliefs is harmless depends of course on the content of the beliefs and the more general impact on people’s ability to reason about matters that can impact their wellbeing.
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025
  • If Newman couldn’t have killed Scott, the police reasoned, perhaps his brother had.
    Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The line occurs when the film’s protagonist, Ripley (Weaver), emerges from an elevator in a giant metal bodysuit, ready to fight a terrifying alien to save a young child.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Season-long struggles; still fighting Charlotte has five games left on the schedule, starting with North Texas (6-1, 2-1 American) next Friday night on ESPN2.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some experts, meanwhile, say that instead of demanding that insurers sell their stake in fossil fuel companies, advocates and policymakers should focus on modernizing regulations to persuade insurers to expand coverage in fire-prone areas.
    Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
  • For its part, Ukraine is betting on long-range strikes targeting Russian energy infrastructure to persuade the Kremlin to accept negotiations.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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