Synonyms of argue

argue

verb

ˈär-(ˌ)gyü 

1

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contend
• reason
• plead
• assert
• insist
• convince
• explain
• justify
• suggest
• claim
• maintain
• mention
• persuade
• consider
• cite
• propose
• affirm
• discuss
• defend
• advise
• urge
• recommend
• advocate
• enforce
• adduce
• offer
• refute
• submit
• rationalize
• debate
• give
• counsel
• disprove
• rebut
• avow
• aver
• counter
• advance
• support
• avouch
• espouse
• confute
• champion

2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bicker
• fight
• quarrel
• spat
• dispute
• clash
• discuss
• debate
• quibble
• controvert
• squabble
• wrangle
• brawl
• fall out
• scrap
• row
• contend
• argufy
• jar
• mix it up
• hassle
• altercate
• dare
• brabble
• lock horns
• butt heads
• bandy words
• tiff
• challenge
• contest
• defy
• protest
• nitpick
• cavil
• object
• consider
• fuss
• tangle
• kick

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agree
• get along
• accept
• concur
• coexist
• consent
• assent

3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• convince
• persuade
• satisfy
• bring
• get
• urge
• induce
• move
• talk (into)
• convert
• win (over)
• prevail (on or upon)
• gain
• attract
• coax
• discuss
• bring around
• exhort
• tempt
• seduce
• entreat
• prompt
• sell
• cajole
• entice
• wheedle
• lure
• debate
• influence
• dispute
• sway
• lead on
• converse
• beguile
• moot
• snow
• draw
• fast-talk
• interest
• allure
• incline
• overpersuade
• blandish
• brainwash
• blarney
• reason (with)
• chew over
• hash (over)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourage
• deter
• dissuade
• unsell

4

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• discuss
• debate
• dispute
• review
• talk over
• moot
• agitate
• canvass
• consider
• bat (around or back and forth)
• raise
• bandy
• talk (about)
• speak (about)
• introduce
• hash (over or out)
• weigh
• propound
• stir up
• talk out
• broach
• hammer out
• forge
• wrestle (with)
• thrash (out)
• deliberate
• chew over

5

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confirm
• verify
• support
• prove
• corroborate
• validate
• vindicate
• demonstrate
• certify
• attest
• bear out
• substantiate
• authenticate
• affirm
• witness
• testify (to)
• reinforce
• establish
• assert
• guarantee
• declare
• vouch (for)
• document
• profess
• back (up)
• warrant
• aver
• avouch
• avow

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refute
• disprove
• rebut
• deny
• contradict
• question
• challenge
• dispute
• gainsay
• contest
• disclaim
• disavow

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

Recent Examples of argue

Researchers argue that such systems could produce far more energy per unit area than terrestrial solar farms, as orbiting panels operate without atmospheric losses or cloud cover. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026

Madrid has, however, gone further by moving to regularize nearly half a million undocumented migrants and by courting many more foreigners, a push that its socialist prime minister has argued is helping drive an economic boom. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Perez’s attorney, deputy public defender Ron Johnson, cited staff shortages and a backlog of cases in arguing for time to file a retrial motion. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026

In a Fortune feature, my colleague Jeremy Kahn, Fortune’s AI editor, argues that this framing misses the larger pattern. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026