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 For six months, U.S. officials have met with their Russians counterparts to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine. Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 While the job interview can reveal a lot about a company, how an organization acts in discussing compensation gives insight into broader implications about the company. Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 On Sunday, Libby also shared an article discussing the apparent tribute to her son, and provided more thoughts on the sweet cameo. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 28 July 2025 Users are discussing ways to attempt to restore Futurehome device functionality without a subscription, including by moving the devices to open standards. Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • The algorithm simply analyzed quantitative data according to parameters chosen by humans to produce a base recommendation that the board members could debate.
    Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Last week, council members debated a comprehensive plan to begin charging drivers to park in Balboa Park.
    Sam Schulz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Though some have argued there are similarities in how Trump works as a statesman, in comparison to Reagan.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • While the two argued over the definition of a restaurant, Kennedy said a letter from the Sacramento Environmental Health Division classified Mei Wah as a bar.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Court records reviewed by USA TODAY show the proceedings are on pause pending Presley's 2024 elder abuse case in Los Angeles.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the incident, the police said.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on discuss

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