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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb argue contrast with its synonyms?

The words debate and discuss are common synonyms of argue. While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

When is it sensible to use debate instead of argue?

While in some cases nearly identical to argue, 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

When might discuss be a better fit than argue?

The synonyms discuss and argue are sometimes interchangeable, but discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

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 argue But the commissioner and his supporters argue he’s used it as a vehicle to greatly improve the two premier downtown parks. Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025 The decision will be met with fury from press advocates who have argued over the past week — during which the White House barred AP from three previous events — that penalizing the news organization for its editorial standards sets a dangerous precedent for press freedoms. Sara Fischer, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025 But that year, the FCC removed those limits at the urging of Ronald Reagan, who argued that such regulation limited free speech. Alana Semuels, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 The body of water situated between eastern Mexico and the southeast shores of the United States has been internationally known as the Gulf of Mexico for well over 400 years, argues Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for argue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue
Verb
  • Bishop contends that melanin, which produces skin, hair, and eye pigmentation, has almost supernatural powers enhanced by the sun.
    David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
  • President Trump and his chief cost-cutter, Elon Musk, contend the aid and development work is wasteful and furthers a liberal agenda.
    Ellen Knickmeyer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Lovers bicker back and forth in angelic proclamations.
    Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The latest fracas between bickering foes India and Pakistan has finally ended after a resolution was resolved following months of warring almost jeopardized the upcoming Champions Trophy.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The club was convinced this roster was a playoff roster, and that’s looking unlikely.
    Jeremy Rutherford, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Republicans worked hard in recent years to court Venezuelan American voters in Florida, convinced that their party’s focus on law and order and attacks on socialism could win over the fast-growing group.
    Patricia Mazzei, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Panelists discuss the president’s firing of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General C. Q. Brown.
    The Editors, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The survey found that 84% of Black singles discuss STI/STD status before becoming intimate, which is significant considering the pervasiveness of STIs and STDs in the United States.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Hoffner did confirm that all 25 locations were owned by one franchise-owner, which continues to own and operate other Dairy Queen restaurants in the state.
    Alana Edgin, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The team confirmed the change as the Yankees began spring training in Florida over the weekend.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In September last year, OpenAI launched its most advanced model, the o1, which came with reasoning abilities and was able to solve relatively complex science, coding and math tasks.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Olson’s attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, said he was relieved his client got less than 25 years, which prosecutors pushed for, and reasoned his behavior stemmed from his own childhood.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Since its establishment in 1992, The Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised over $600 million to support more than 3,100 projects in 95 countries, working to increase healthcare access and fight LGBTQ+ stigma.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The trailer above, which dropped on Wednesday, introduces you to the new couples fighting to see if their love can withstand temptation and drama, but there’s a catch.
    Gabriela Silva, TVLine, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • McCafferty wasn’t persuaded by the state’s arguments, which concerned player safety and integrity of the sport.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • To accomplish that, the farmers had to persuade their clients to embrace a new aesthetic: less polished and more primal, twining and frondy, founded on blossoms that might be too lush and soft to endure weeks of refrigerated storage but could be guaranteed to look and smell like nothing else.
    Maryn McKenna, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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