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
• introduce
• canvass
• raise
• canvas
• 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

With The Atlantic joined last night to discuss what the president’s visit to the Middle East reveals about America’s place in the world. —The Editors, The Atlantic, 17 May 2025

Meanwhile, in the Iraqi capital on Saturday, Arab leaders gathered for a summit expected to discuss the war in Gaza, with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in attendance. —Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 17 May 2025

During a session for agents at the NFL Combine in February 2025, NFLPA officials referenced but did not discuss the action and seemed to indicate that CARD would take it up but did not provide any further details. —Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

Emotional Conversations Always End In Exhaustion, Not Resolution In marriages caught in the chaser-spacer dynamic, attempts to discuss feelings often devolve into emotional exhaustion rather than resolution. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025