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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 Critics will argue that normalization is politically suicidal for any Pakistani leader. Jack Rosen, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025 But McBride argues that, by this point, Americans had begun viewing hair style as a personal choice, making Jones’s ultimatums controversial. Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025 What made the transformation into a cinematic cut possible was the high quality of the game, argued Pekař. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025 The firm argues that without players like Jane Street, there would be no link between the Indian derivatives market and its real economy. Daniel Schlaepfer, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for argue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue
Verb
  • In previous filings, Stone contended that forensic evidence would show that whoever shot Reuter was much taller than Yang.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • He was expected to contend for the team's lead running back role with the departure of veteran Nick Chubb.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • For months, top state officials have been bickering about how best to deport people and positioning for Trump’s approval in the upcoming 2026 midterm races for governor, attorney general and other key positions.
    Katelyn Ferral, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
  • In the days leading up to the decision, bickering among jury members appeared to delay the verdict.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • The sustained interest has Crawford convinced that demand for cottage cheese isn’t just a passing craze.
    Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
  • My 16-year-old daughter finally convinced me to try a heatless curling set, and honestly, it’s saved my hair.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Megyn Kelly and Ben Shapiro discussed the Jeffrey Epstein files on the July 14 episode of Kelly's YouTube show.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • There’s a lot of humor used as the co-hosts discuss current events and rail against liberal reaction to them.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Trump also polled the members of Congress present about firing Powell and received a positive response, Reuters later confirmed.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Martinez's family confirmed his identity, according to reporting by ABC13.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • As an advocate for scientific research, Peoples reasoned that seemingly arcane discoveries can unexpectedly yield astonishing and wide-range applications and results.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025
  • Far beyond the robotic process automation of the past, Gen AI platforms can now reason, create and analyze with a sophistication that rivals human capability.
    Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Experts say the relatively simple way to survive this current is to float, stay as calm as possible and don’t fight it.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • The tribe also has fought to preserve shrinking numbers of the c'waam and koptu, two fish species central to the three tribal cultures that form the tribe.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Eventually, the victim is persuaded to contact an IT security representative, who, in fact, is part of the ransomware operation.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 26 July 2025
  • During an interview with The Standard, Ozzy admitted that even though he was intoxicated during the violent incident, that didn't persuade him to stop drinking.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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