discuss

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discuss contrast with its synonyms?

The words argue and debate are common synonyms of discuss. While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

When can argue be used instead of discuss?

Although the words argue and discuss have much in common, argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

When would debate be a good substitute for discuss?

The synonyms debate and discuss are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 discuss For six months, U.S. officials have met with their Russians counterparts to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine. Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 While the job interview can reveal a lot about a company, how an organization acts in discussing compensation gives insight into broader implications about the company. Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 On Sunday, Libby also shared an article discussing the apparent tribute to her son, and provided more thoughts on the sweet cameo. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 28 July 2025 Users are discussing ways to attempt to restore Futurehome device functionality without a subscription, including by moving the devices to open standards. Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • Ohio lawmakers debated everything from home grow restrictions to penalizing passengers who smoke in the car.
    Haley BeMiller, The Enquirer, 17 Aug. 2025
  • And Just Like That … Club, our subscriber-exclusive newsletter obsessing over, dissecting, and debating everything about season three.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Though some have argued there are similarities in how Trump works as a statesman, in comparison to Reagan.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Some animal rights groups argued the decision sets a dangerous precedent, including Bear Defenders, a campaign to oppose the expansion of bear hunting in Florida.
    Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Advocate reviewed protocols for gender-affirming care and considered the potential impacts of federal actions on patients, clinics and employees before deciding to end the medications for people younger than 19, according to the draft policy.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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