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 Disney historian and podcast host Jim Hill discussed the resort’s dark history in a 2022 interview with the outlet. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025 The 2-degree target had a long history, discussed in scientific literature as early as the 1970s. Sophie Yeo, The Dial, 4 Nov. 2025 Thune said lawmakers are still discussing the best date to give lawmakers time to approve full-year spending bills. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025 Several Muslim-majority nations that are considering participation in the ISF met in Istanbul on Monday to discuss the mission. Eugenia Yosef, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • If the White House must be remade, let there be a plan; let it be debated; let the financing be transparent and free of kickbacks and corruption.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Cleveland Browns drafted two rookie quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft, a move that was highly debated at the time and a storyline that hasn't gone away since.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When its army entered Gaza in late 1956, the Israeli government argued that national security interests required it to control the Strip.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The issue of filing deadlines wasn't argued before the Supreme Court, nor the circuit court, Wood said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The president’s comments come after his administration expanded a federal program that deputizes local police to enforce immigration laws, signing up nearly 16,000 officers across 40 states as part of an effort to boost deportations, according to data reviewed by Bloomberg News.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Bonner reviews the construction plans in his office that afternoon.
    Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on discuss

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