argument

noun

ar·​gu·​ment ˈär-gyə-mənt How to pronounce argument (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of arguing, reasoning, or discussing : argumentation
b
: a coherent series of reasons, statements, or facts intended to support or establish a point of view
a defense attorney's closing argument
c
: an angry quarrel or disagreement
having an argument over/about money
trying to settle an argument
2
a
: a reason given for or against a matter under discussion
They presented their arguments in favor of the proposal.
b
: a form of rhetorical expression intended to convince or persuade
3
: an abstract (see abstract entry 2 sense 1) or summary especially of a literary work
4
: the subject matter especially of a literary work
5
a
mathematics : one of the independent variables upon whose value that of a function depends
b
grammar : a substantive (such as the direct object of a transitive verb) that is required by a predicate in grammar
c
mathematics : amplitude sense 4
6
obsolete : an outward sign : indication

Examples of argument in a Sentence

They made a compelling argument for our participation. The committee presented strong arguments against building a new school. a lawyer's closing argument at the trial His argument did not convince his opponents. Let us accept, for the sake of argument, that she is right. Don't you want to hear both sides of the argument? They were always getting into arguments about politics. There were many arguments about the new design. They settled an argument that started in class. I don't want to hear any arguments about whether you'll go.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Shakopee City Council disagreed with the argument, however, rejecting a license for Top Star Market earlier this year. Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Oral arguments in his nearly 20-year-old case were heard Wednesday by the Supreme Court of California, meeting for the first time in five years in Sacramento’s historic appellate courtroom at the Stanley Mosk Library and Courthouse on the Capitol Mall downtown. Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2025 The judge heard arguments from lawyers for five pregnant undocumented women. Selina Wang, ABC News, 5 Feb. 2025 The man’s plan to get married at their own home led to an argument that escalated into violence at a residence in Brookfield, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, GMToday.com reported. Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for argument 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin argūmentum, from arguere "to show, demonstrate" + -mentum -ment — more at argue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6

Time Traveler
The first known use of argument was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near argument

Cite this Entry

“Argument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argument. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

argument

noun
ar·​gu·​ment ˈär-gyə-mənt How to pronounce argument (audio)
1
a
: a reason for or against something
b
: a discussion in which arguments are presented : debate
2
: an angry disagreement : quarrel

Legal Definition

argument

noun
ar·​gu·​ment
1
: a reason or the reasoning given for or against a matter under discussion compare evidence, proof
2
: the act or process of arguing, reasoning, or discussing
especially : oral argument

More from Merriam-Webster on argument

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