discuss

Definition of discussnext

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 In a wide-ranging interview with Politico in Brussels, published on Tuesday, the Netflix Co-CEO was keen to discuss new efforts by the EU to regulate the media industry, but appeared eager to put the story of Netflix’s unsuccessful WBD bid to bed. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026 The child question was not answered, but the teaser does feature a flashback scene of Paul and Chani discussing a name for a child. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026 D’Arco discusses why future college placement is so important in how schools think about admissions. Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 17 Mar. 2026 For customers frustrated by high bills, Duke recommends contacting the company to discuss payment plans or assistance programs. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • To think that some Filipinos were forever debating her looks!
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Captain Antoine Dupont debated with referee Nika Amashukeli where the penalty spots were.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But their defense lawyers argue the Colombian team was only providing support to arrest Moïse, and that presidential security guards and national police officers had killed him before the Colombians showed up at his home.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The Justice Department argued that the Department of Homeland Security has sole power over the program, which was designed to be temporary.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2026
  • This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor.
    USA Today staff, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on discuss

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