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 Prior to winning, Vader spoke with TheWrap to discuss the importance of a competition specifically geared toward women. James Factora, Them., 21 Oct. 2025 Jeff Fleming, the spokesperson for Mayor Cavalier Johnson, responded to the firefighter union's concerns, noting the office was discussing the funding. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025 Last month, Jim Cramer traveled to Kentucky and interviewed Corning CEO Wendell Weeks and Apple CEO Tim Cook to discuss the partnership. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025 While discussing where to point the blame for the issues members experienced after splitting in 2016, Tomlinson took aim at the rise of social media influencers who’ve become online journalists. Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 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
  • If the current fiscal package is estimated to not only cover its costs but grow the economy too, the path is justified, argued Zandi.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The company and store owners sued, arguing players could use an optional preview feature, removing the element of chance.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Fechters, Shalom’s owners, said their selective breeding program preserves genetic diversity by pairing up non-related animals, whose health and genetics are reviewed by veterinarians and experts.
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The comments were picked up by South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper, and CNN asked the two former US Navy officers to review that report and the video.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on discuss

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