Definition of argumentnext
1
2
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act gave a solid argument for the redeeming value of the shockingly violent movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in contention
an idea or opinion that is put forth in a discussion or debate it's my argument that we have too many problems here on earth to concern ourselves with manned trips to Mars

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 argument The Dallas Morning News asked a relocation advocate and a City Hall supporter to lay out their arguments. Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026 The Duty of Care Debate The prosecution’s case hinged on the argument that Plamberger was the more experienced of the two climbers and was therefore responsible for Gurtner’s well-being on the mountain. Owen Clarke, Outside, 21 Feb. 2026 The play could not be reviewed, but the accusation resulted in an argument on the ice between the two teams. Nbc News, NBC news, 21 Feb. 2026 But other arguments are based on false information. Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for argument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argument
Noun
  • When disputes arise, most can be kept behind closed doors.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The top pros were held out of the last two Winter Olympics, in 2018 over a dispute between the players and the IOC, and in 2022 because of COVID-19 interruptions in scheduling.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • With a new album on the way and international tour dates lined up, Grohl’s comments offer the clearest explanation yet of the band’s decision to make another lineup change.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the shoes were quietly removed from many retailers and Nike’s Snkrs app without explanation.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Rain is expected to return to the Central Valley late Monday, according to the weather service’s forecast discussion.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated February 20, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Other than Griego’s questions, there was no board comment or discussion.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • And while that may be the hill on which negotiations devolve, the baseline contention by the MLB Players Association is that the problem is not every owner is trying to win.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Grier could choose to navigate the deadline by parting with some periphery pieces — or even one or two that the Sharks rely on a great deal — but not dramatically subtracting from a group that played its way into playoff contention after a horrid start to the 2025-26 season.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Instead, the Timberwolves remain locked in a tight quarrel with the likes of Denver, Houston, Phoenix and the Los Angeles Lakers.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The American colonists’ decision to frame their rebellion as a quarrel with a man rather than a system was brilliant from a public-relations standpoint, if not exactly honest.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But the plush Casada massage chair in the bedroom offers reason to part with sleep for a while.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The reason stores use first names — or first names and last initials — on name tags is to balance two reasonable, but competing, requirements.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Advertisement Hours before Andrew’s arrest, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was asked if a debate over the royal, and his connections to Epstein, could still take place.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Sappy, sure, but better than this faux-Kantian debate about what’s real or not real.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Though historically unfounded, this assertion electrified European esoteric circles.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Texas won’t run into another front line like Florida’s over these next few weeks, possibly giving credence to Golden's assertion that the Horns could make some noise come tournament time.
    Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Argument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argument. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on argument

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!

More from Merriam-Webster