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 The three teenagers discussed killing Pahler for months, but Casey said in the affidavit that the group carried out the murder on a whim. Chris Spargo, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025 By now, Arch Manning’s performance as Texas’ QB1 in the Longhorns’ loss at Ohio State has been examined, discussed and is currently at CIA headquarters in Quantico for extensive study. Mac Engel september 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2025 Spend time with people who discuss hobbies, interests and celebrate milestones, no matter how small. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 The American president also used a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung last month to discuss meeting again with Kim. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • The students in the club participated in National History Day, a competition where students present a topic of their interest, and the YMCA Youth and Government Program’s Model Legislative Session, where students debate bills at the Arizona Capitol.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Trials make disputes public, and jury trials allow citizens to debate the issues and return verdicts that reflect their community.
    Richard Lorren Jolly, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The plaintiffs argued the displacement was motivated by a desire to limit readers' access to books with viewpoints that are unpopular and controversial in the area.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • But there are Republicans who argue that the changes to Medicaid strengthen the program for the most vulnerable.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 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, 8 Sep. 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, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on discuss

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