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
• canvass
• introduce
• raise
• 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

But the reports didn't say whether the leaders discussed North Korea’s nuclear program, a sensitive security issue in the region. —ABC News, 9 June 2026

This week, Blue Shield is expected to meet with nonprofit Protect Our Benefits — which represents about 41,000 San Francisco retired employees, including firefighters — as well as other advocates to discuss potential reform efforts, NBC reports. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

Enforcement agencies don't typically discuss matters that may be subject to investigation. —Matt Peterson, CNBC, 9 June 2026

Olympians Lindsey Vonn, 41, and Allyson Felix, 40, brought him up when discussing their comebacks. —Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 2026