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 Matt Debnam, a spokesperson for DPS, confirmed on Monday that the agency was invited to discuss reopening Jail North. Ryan Oehrli november 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2025 Billboard staffers discuss these questions and more below. Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2025 Snap counts, depth of target and type of touch (running back receptions are far more valuable than carries) are also important but will generally not be discussed here. Michael Salfino, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025 That’s a potential tough spot for team owner Josh Harris, with the president not just discussing the possibility but taking credit for helping advance the team’s stadium project. Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • This phenomenon has long been debated in theory, but now the impact can be observed directly across a large population of stars.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
  • At a conference in 1969, when other physicists were debating the very existence of gravitational waves, Weber presented evidence supporting their direct detection.
    Big Think, Big Think, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The conviction was later vacated in 2016, after a new legal team argued that Max’s original trial lawyer had a conflict of interest in the case.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Schumer on Saturday persisted in arguing that Republicans should accept a one-year extension of the subsidies before negotiating the future of the tax credits.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
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, 10 Nov. 2025
  • 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, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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