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 During the opening arguments, Thompson sat quietly in a gray collared shirt, trying not to notice the growing group of MTA union members filling up the left side of the courtroom. Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026 After two weeks of the government and defense presenting evidence, including testimony by a dozen-plus witnesses, and attorney arguments, the case was handed to the jury on Wednesday, June 24. Sierra Van Der Brug, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026 The evening featured closing arguments, which followed the first testimony of Maluchnik. Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 26 June 2026 The question of when, or indeed whether, formally to declare independence drew partition into the heart of arguments at the Continental Congress. David Armitage, Washington Post, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for argument
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argument
Noun
  • Brad Pitt may have scored a win in his yearslong winery dispute with ex Angelina Jolie, but the battle is far from over.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Showdowns over international inspectors caused years of disputes between the US and Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and more recently Iran.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Predicting pink Dig a little deeper, and another possible explanation for the abundance of pink at the tournament emerges.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • Much of the international media dutifully reported Russia’s explanation alongside reports of the attack, creating the impression that responsibility remained genuinely uncertain and that both narratives deserved roughly equal consideration.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • His show, which ran for nearly four decades, provided a national platform for frank discussions on race, politics, and culture.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • If emotions rise, pause to name the concern, then restate the common goal so the discussion shifts from blame toward practical steps and timelines everyone trusts.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Now, the 49‑year‑old turns his attention to an NBA roster headlined by Flagg and a Mavericks team eager to return to championship contention.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • The other top prospects in the draft, including Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Duke’s Cam Boozer, were in contention for the top pick.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The victim got into a quarrel inside Bob’s Classic Barber Shop on Albany Ave.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026
  • Rounding out the top five names were seven write-in votes for the Sacramento Capitals or Capitols — which could be nicknamed the Caps to avoid quarrels over the spelling — and six votes for the Sacramento Stingers or Sting, referencing the collegiate Sacramento State Hornets.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • There are good reasons to do so again, though as contenders acquiring young talent is not a necessity for the Pacers.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 24 June 2026
  • However, Gen Zers also cited reasons for not finding such meaning.
    Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • More broadly, the technology also reignites debates over how to balance learning efficiency against the risk of cheating.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • The complexity at play in data center debates is often what has prompted moratoriums, with local governments looking for more time to properly take stock of concerns from neighbors and the facts at hand.
    Conor Wight, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • That pushed back on foreign assertions that China lacks the ability to exert its authority over the waters, the account said in a post.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Ensure that any assertions aren’t overstating the case.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Argument.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argument. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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