ARGUE Synonyms: 183 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

argue

verb

ˈär-(ˌ)gyü

Definition of argue next

as in to contend

to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration argued that a bake sale would make a lot less money than a car wash

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as in to bicker

to express different opinions about something often angrily that couple argues so incessantly it's a miracle they're still together

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as in to convince

to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests argued my boss into letting me telecommute for four days a week

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as in to discuss

to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion candidates arguing gun control in a nationally televised debate

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as in to confirm

to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of the security video argues that it was a taller man who entered the building

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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 Musk argues that vision alone can solve autonomy. —

Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026 Houston rapper Travis Scott is among several artists backing a Dallas County man scheduled to be executed next month, arguing prosecutors used rap lyrics to secure his sentence in violation of his constitutional rights, according to documents obtained Monday by The Dallas Morning News. —

Jamie Landers, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026 Several governors objected, arguing that the deployments exceeded federal authority. —

Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026 But some experts argue that the possibility of a more lenient approach from Iran is no longer on the horizon. —

Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for argue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue

Verb

Nonfarm payrolls fell by 92,000 jobs in February 2026, contradicting expectations for job growth, and the author contends this represents a fundamental weakness in the administration’s economic narrative.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
The Electronic Frontier Foundation and ACLU of Northern California contend that ALPR cameras facilitate unconstitutional, warrantless searches given officers have no requirement to prove probable cause of a crime when searching the plate data.

— Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026

Definition of contend

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arguable

argue

argued

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“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 11 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of argue

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