1
2
3
4
5

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

Examples 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 Republicans have argued that the fault lies with the Democrats for not sending the bills to Whitmer’s desk. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Jan. 2025 But Adams, like Trump, has also argued that the charges were politically motivated. Jared Gans, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2025 Traditionalists would likely argue that winning the conference should be rewarded but the goal is to find the best team in the country, and the playoff should be set up to make teams earn their way into the biggest game of the year. Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025 On Wednesday, Medina pleaded for leniency, with his lawyer Joseph Veith arguing that his client returned to his old habits of fraud on 2023 after seven years staying out of trouble because of his gambling addiction and mental illness. John Annese, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for argue 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue
Verb
  • Now after not knowing if her career was over, Prince could contend for an All-American spot, just like Van Lith, who is averaging 18.3 points and a career-high 6.2 assists.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The suit, submitted in U.S. District Court, contends that Black voters, who represent nearly one-third of the county's electorate, face significant barriers to electing candidates of their choice under the current system.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 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
  • And just like that, Young had his groove back: Throwing in rhythm, anticipating receivers coming open, making off-platform throws — all the things that had convinced the Panthers to trade DJ Moore and four high draft picks to Chicago to take Young at No. 1.
    Joseph Person, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Yet the Fed has struggled with the last leg of its inflation battle in pushing the CPI to a 2% annual rate, and December's reading could convince the central bank to hold off on another rate cut at its next meeting, scheduled for Jan. 29.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Over Zoom, Yost discussed the shocking finale, including three major scenes at the very end, the especially surprising final sequence that could change everything, and what to expect from Season 3.
    Barry Levitt, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Trump has also discussed taking back the Panama Canal, where China controls two of five ports.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Many encouraged Garcia to confirm the pregnancy with a doctor.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Yoon, South Korea’s first sitting president to be arrested, has also been suspended from his presidential duties as the Constitutional Court decides whether to confirm his impeachment motion, which was passed by the legislature in late December.
    Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • That line of reasoning hinges on Homan’s recent request that sanctuary cities like Chicago work with the Trump administration on targeting criminals without proper immigration documentation.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Because South Florida is built on layers of sand and porous limestone, the authors reasoned that these vibrations could have compressed or rearranged sand – much like shaking ground coffee in a tin creates more space.
    Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • After initially joining the Sky on a training camp contract, Carter fought her way into the starting lineup last season.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Despite the order from Biden, 82, both Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and now-President Trump, 78, fought to have the flags raised for the inauguration, which fell within the 30-day mourning period.
    Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s self-assuredness in his ability to persuade and coerce a new Axis of Evil is a major perceptional error.
    Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Just two Republican senators — Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — voted against advancing Hegseth’s nomination; Democrats are still seeking to persuade others to join them for the final vote, citing accusations about his conduct.
    Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near argue

Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on argue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!