argument
noun
ar·gu·ment
ˈär-gyə-mənt 
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
However, arguments on both sides are playing out not only in the political realm, but also in business and finance, where investment decisions are partly grounded in long-term national and geopolitical predictions and trends.
—
David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
Of course, that’s not a new argument in Silicon Valley.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
That argument ends when Steven is involved in a car crash moments after Taylor storms out of the car during the fight, but the effects of it linger throughout the season as the pair find their way back to one another.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
As Malthus himself explains, his essay was inspired by an argument with a friend about the journalist and novelist William Godwin—best known today as the father of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein.
—Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for argument
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.
David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
Of course, that’s not a new argument in Silicon Valley.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
That argument ends when Steven is involved in a car crash moments after Taylor storms out of the car during the fight, but the effects of it linger throughout the season as the pair find their way back to one another.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
As Malthus himself explains, his essay was inspired by an argument with a friend about the journalist and novelist William Godwin—best known today as the father of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein.
—Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for argument
Cite this Entry
“Argument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argument. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
argument
noun
ar·gu·ment
ˈär-gyə-mənt
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share