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 officials requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 The trailer opens with Elizabeth discussing a cold case for the group to look into from May 11, 1973, involving a woman thrown out of a window and onto the street below. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 May 2025 Those other tariff strategies, which CNN's report discussed at length, would take longer to implement and may not burden trade partners for as long as Trump may like but would essentially raise the same burdens without running afoul of courts, experts told CNN. Ashley Belanger – May 29, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2025 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed the return of the artifacts in a meeting with Canadian Catholic Cardinals in Rome this month ahead of Leo’s first mass, Jaime Battiste, a member of parliament who was also at the meeting, told the Canadian Press. Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • While the cause and eventual outcome can be debated, the immediate impact was felt with shares of Tesla falling 14% on Thursday.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The Senate passed the bill on a vote of 19 to 13, which happened more than 16 hours after the chamber was scheduled to debate it.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Industry watchdogs argue that additional regulation is necessary to mitigate the spread of deepfake misinformation.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 3 June 2025
  • The Entertainment Union Coalition argues that the bill will also help retain the existing workforce, which otherwise would continue to erode.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 3 June 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, 2 June 2025
  • In the most recent study led by Luque, researchers reviewed data from multiple observations of the planet.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on discuss

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