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 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 These topics and more will continue to be discussed leading up to the draft. Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 It is not believed to be on the agenda at its quarterly meetings in Zimbabwe from April 11-13, but likely to be discussed, perhaps informally. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Howell discussed the increasing strain on Hollywood producers. Lauren Coates, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • Before the second tribal council, players in David's group debated between either voting out Cedrek McFadden or Shauhin Davari.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Kicking things off, Samantha, who had been debating on leaving the show in the previous episode, managed to pull Farmer John, 25, aside for what proved to be a pivotal conversation.
    Dory Jackson, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • At the start of proceedings, prosecutors presented their case by arguing Yoon lacked the legal grounds to declare martial law and accused him of trying to paralyse state institutions such as parliament.
    Joyce Lee, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The anti-Amendment 4 website hosted by the Agency for Health Care Administration led to court challenges from people who argued the state was improperly using its official power, including one case in front of the Florida Supreme Court.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But internal correspondence reviewed by The News indicates that an MTA engineer raised concerns in early March — even before the water was turned off at the facility — that sewage was leaking into the soil around the depot.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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