Definition of arguenext
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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 The article argues this move severely damages American soccer's integrity and global reputation. Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Johnson and his colleagues are now arguing that the formation of continents on Earth was caused largely by an intense, sustained barrage of asteroid impacts that kept the early crust hot and thin enough to make buoyant continents possible. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026 Timothy Pollock, a professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, argues that executives now occupy a cultural role once reserved for movie stars and athletes. Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 5 July 2026 Mehrotra noted the project demonstrates the strength of combining American innovation with Japanese manufacturing expertise, arguing that the partnership delivers world-class semiconductor technology rather than a compromise between the two. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for argue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue
Verb
  • Shopping for cannabis based solely on THC percentage is fundamentally flawed, experts contend.
    Peter Su, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Her attorneys contend the defendants used the litigation to portray her as dishonest, intimidate potential witnesses, fuel a public relations campaign against her and drive up the cost of her legal defense.
    Adam Reiss, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Several weeks back, Clark and White were caught bickering during a timeout huddle against the expansion Portland Fire.
    Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026
  • The plot centers on bickering couple Joe and Angela, who invite their noisy upstairs neighbors, Hawk and Piña, for dinner.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The court date begins a weeklong preliminary hearing where prosecutors aim to convince a Utah judge to allow the trial to move forward.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Ryan would love nothing more than to help convince the front office to add and give this team a chance down the stretch.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • After discussing the situation with his partner, Cody has decided to remain with the team.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • Teng found a menopause specialist from Midi who discussed the risks and benefits of HRT, and recommended vitamins, supplements, diet and lifestyle changes.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Pat George, a frequent flier, avoided a line at the Admirals Club in Miami because a representative called ahead to a second lounge near Gate D15 to confirm there was no wait.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Although the panel date has not been confirmed, the members and the team behind the webcomic will be on it to chat about their upcoming plans.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • With no energy available to warm the planet to these temperatures, the team reasoned that the temperature must be a residual effect of prior warming either from being engulfed by the red giant or during an inward migration.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 July 2026
  • The second is reasoning intelligence, the layer that looks at a task, breaks it into steps and figures out how to do it, including things like making a judgement call on whether an object will be heavy or light.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Two firefighters died from injures sustained while fighting the blaze.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • The action is set in the 1750s with Washington as a young man eager to fight, initially as a British officer in a period of complex loyalties.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Since Mary Grace’s death, her parents have poured their energy into persuading lawmakers to make camps safer by banning cabins in active flood plains, mandating 24-7 weather monitoring and requiring rigorous annual evacuation training.
    Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • Marketing and communications professionals rely on language to inform, persuade and connect with audiences.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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