Synonyms of discuss

discuss

verb

di-ˈskəs 

as in to debate

to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion

we discussed the new proposal for the school stadium

Synonyms & Similar Words

• debate
• argue
• review
• dispute
• talk over
• consider
• agitate
• canvass
• introduce
• raise
• moot
• bat (around or back and forth)
• bandy
• talk (about)
• weigh
• speak (about)
• hash (over or out)
• stir up
• broach
• propound
• talk out
• forge
• hammer out
• wrestle (with)
• thrash (out)
• deliberate
• chew over

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

Recent Examples of discuss

While the city has long discussed the possibility of adding a fourth police district, Longshore acknowledged that staffing needs and funding requirements make that a longer term project. —Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026

The order drew nationwide attention to Chicago, where immigration enforcement officers were recorded violating the order several times – including top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino – which then prompted a judge to call an emergency hearing to discuss the violations. —Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 20 Jan. 2026

Multi-Agent Platform at Davos At the Great AI Debate, Babak Hodjat, CTO of AI at Cognizant, discussed Neuro AI, the company's multi-agent decisioning platform. —Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

The audience interacted with the puppets, who represented different themes, to discuss climate, nature and hopes the future of Austin in the new year. —Mikala Compton, Austin American Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026