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 Lopez appeared in court Tuesday for the first time since his release from the Lake County jail after being called in to discuss the past legal counsel of former deputies Kyle Henry and Douglas Ford by Perez LaSure Law, one of the firms that make up Lopez’s legal team. Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026 It was convened in 1975 to discuss recombinant DNA, a then-new kind of genome editing. Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 Erik Ekudden, Chief Technology Officer, Ericsson Speed is, of course, the crux of the matter when discussing European competitiveness. Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026 As discussed earlier, the wire fraud statute criminalizes putting a plan into motion to wrongfully obtain money or property. Robert L. Boone, Sportico.com, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • Pop culture depictions of school shootings have often stoked controversy, with many viewers debating the line between storytelling and sensitivity.
    Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
  • As lawmakers debate, business owners like him remain worried about getting served with lawsuit papers.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Prosecutors argue that Duckett was a monster in disguise who abused the badge and brutally raped and killed Teresa before dumping her body in a lake.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The reversal comes after Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta and the UCLA Voting Rights Project launched legal challenges last week, arguing the sheriff has no authority over election materials.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 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.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Despite being reviewed again in 2008 and 2009, investigators never discovered new leads.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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