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 Officials from both coast guards have also held regular exchanges in recent years to discuss ways of strengthening maritime coordination. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 MacLachlan discussed the unconventional reunion on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 The topic has been widely discussed among recent graduates, where the pool of job opportunities for Gen Z is becoming increasingly meager. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025 However the computer science from the late 1960s up through the Y2000 was in the stone age compared to what is being discussed here. PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • On Sept 5, 2024, a year before his death, Charlie Kirk was debating at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The effect is to infuse the story with an undeniable and knowing nostalgia; how quaint, at Alma’s party, to find everyone debating matters of representational consequence.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That’s not sustainable, argues Ruchir Sharma, chair of Rockefeller International.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The lawsuit argues the messages violate the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from compelling speech.
    Shannon Bond, NPR, 5 Oct. 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, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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