ARGUE Synonyms: 183 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

argue

verb

ˈär-(ˌ)gyü

Definition of argue next

as in to contend

to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration argued that a bake sale would make a lot less money than a car wash

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as in to bicker

to express different opinions about something often angrily that couple argues so incessantly it's a miracle they're still together

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as in to convince

to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests argued my boss into letting me telecommute for four days a week

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as in to discuss

to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion candidates arguing gun control in a nationally televised debate

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as in to confirm

to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of the security video argues that it was a taller man who entered the building

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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 Despite previously denying such conduct under oath, the defense argued that the tapes raised questions about his credibility and whether evidence in the case had been properly handled. —

Bonny Chu , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026 The statement contains a variation of an argument used by Alameda County counsel, who have argued in court that the recording could only have been made with both parties’ consent. —

Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 18 May 2026 Eric Evander, Founder and CEO of The Pinnacle Entertainment, argues that artists are leaving enormous long-term value on the table by not building direct lines to their audiences. —

Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 But Kemp argues that only a fresh face unrooted in politics can defeat Ossoff, one of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats on paper but one of the party’s most formidable incumbents in practice. —

Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for argue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue

Verb

Google contends that none of these bypasses actually work.

— Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2026
That so many exceptional shots came from Rai, a 31-year-old who had never so much as contended in a major, is irrelevant.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 May 2026

Definition of contend

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arguable

argue

argued

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“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of argue

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