Thesaurus results for DISCUSS

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

discuss

verb

di-ˈskəs

Definition of discuss next

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

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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 Referencing cult expert Steven Hassan's BITE Model of Authoritarian Control, Dixon discussed how cults emotionally control their members. —

Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 9 Feb. 2025 An Israeli official confirmed Saturday that Netanyahu is sending a delegation to Doha to discuss the deal. —

Sophie Tanno, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025 And no other profession outside of medicine faces external bans on discussing their work across state lines. —

Mark McMurtrey, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025 While there have long been rumblings that Casey DeSantis would one day run for office, the prospect of that happening became more tenable during a Palm Beach County donor event last week where the plan was discussed as a possible reality in 2026, NBC News reported. —

Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for discuss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss

Verb

Listen to this article Candidates for Evanston mayor and City Council debated what the next four years, and the next 20 years, should look like in the city at a forum hosted at the former site of Second Church of Christ on Feb. 9.

— Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
Officials are also debating possible new homebuilding regulations, including rezoning for lower housing density in especially fire-prone areas, and expediting a set of forthcoming standards for removing debris, flammable vegetation and wooden fences from the perimeters of homes.

— Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2025