1
2
3
4
5

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 But Nungesser argues a better option is to strengthen the Mississippi River's flow by filling crevasses along the river's edge that have widened over the years. Kati Weis, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025 Johnson argued that social media accounts and internet presence should be an intentional reflection of one’s values and identity. Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 In between, however, it is composed entirely of primary sources, which talk to, argue with, and jostle against one another without authorial interruption for three hundred and forty-five pages. Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 South Korea’s Unification Ministry on Monday called on North Korea to withdraw its troops from Russia immediately, arguing that the North’s support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine poses a grave provocation to international security. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for argue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue
Verb
  • The Justice Department contended the jurisdictions lacked legal standing and their claims weren’t ripe because the cities haven’t yet lost any funds.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
  • While most accounts suggest White Parties were free of criminal activities, other plaintiffs contend their abuse happened at these elite gatherings.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump, who appointed Powell during his first term, has long bickered with the Fed chair over interest rates.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Laurie stormed off and had a bummer of a night, hanging out with Valentin and his grifter Russian buddies at a Muay Thai fight — and ultimately fleeing half-dressed from one of their angry girlfriends — while Jaclyn and Kate stayed behind and bickered some more.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Scammers convince you to take cash to a bitcoin ATM Her story highlights one huge red flag that consumers must watch out for these days — how scammers are convincing you to take cash to a crypto ATM at the local party store, gas station or grocery.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Behind the Southern delegates’ suspicion was a kind of post-October 7th trauma: John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry, in 1859, had convinced the South that the Black population was poised to rise up in bloody rebellion if given the chance.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These topics and more will continue to be discussed leading up to the draft.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Putin also discussed Iran's nuclear program with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said during his visit to Moscow, the Kremlin said, as Oman continues its mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But officials were not able to confirm if a blown tire was at fault for the crash.
    Ron Wilkins, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Listen, many Gomez fans were skeptical when the singer confirmed her relationship with the prolific music producer back in December 2023.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That model doesn't include reasoning capabilities, though.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Officials reasoned that the property’s existing zoning, neighborhood commercial — allowing restaurants, banks, barber shops and similar businesses — better served the community.
    Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the final season of the Emmy-winning drama series, June will fight to take down Gilead with Luke and Moira joining the resistance, per Hulu.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • No medication cures measles, only time and the hope that a child’s body can fight it.
    Dan Sweeney, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Another factor that might hamper Chelsea’s attempts to persuade Rak-Sakyi to stay is what has happened to his brother, Jesurun.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The administration is expected to return to the Supreme Court quickly in an effort to persuade the justices to lift their temporary order.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on argue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!