Definition of arguenext
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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
  • The suits contend that part of the reason for the dry hydrants is that the LADWP’s 117-million-gallon reservoir in Pacific Palisades had been empty for nearly a year, awaiting repairs.
    Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • All of Bed Bath & Beyond’s complaints have contended that the carriers compounded the retailer’s operational and financial distress throughout the pandemic as shelves went empty and costs soared, ultimately leading to the company’s demise.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Someone on the bench started bickering with Cameroon’s first goalscorer, Junior Tchamadeu, during a break in play.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The Federal Reserve chair and the president stood stiffly, side by side, in matching hard hats, bickering on a building site, for all the world to see.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 Dec. 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
  • In response to questions from The Sacramento Bee, representatives from the governor’s office did not address any of the proposals lawmakers have been discussing.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Before the closed-door session on Wednesday, board members publicly discussed approving, funding, and conducting an investigation into Bulson and any other board member who was potentially involved in the April 2024 incident.
    Ashley Paul, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The images revealed both the mass and an affected lymph node, confirming the presence of cancer cells.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The vehicle, now confirmed as the Kosmera Nebula 1, signals the appliance maker’s serious ambitions beyond household tech and into high-end mobility.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
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 10 Jan. 2026.

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