Thesaurus results for DISCUSS

Q: How does the verb 'discuss' contrast with its synonyms?

The words argue and debate are common synonyms of discuss . While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con. // discussed the need for a new highway

Q: When can 'argue' be used instead of 'discuss'?

Although the words argue and discuss have much in common, argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held. // argued that the project would be too costly

Q: When would 'debate' be a good substitute for 'discuss'?

The synonyms debate and discuss are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

discuss

verb

di-ˈskəs

Definition of discuss next

as in to debate

to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion we discussed the new proposal for the school stadium

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How does the verb discuss contrast with its synonyms?

The words argue and debate are common synonyms of discuss. While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

When can argue be used instead of discuss?

Although the words argue and discuss have much in common, argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

When would debate be a good substitute for discuss?

The synonyms debate and discuss are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 discuss The City Council had not planned to discuss the commission staff report during an April meeting, but Councilmember Caity Maple, who represents Oak Park and Parkway, pulled the item for public comment. —

Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026 That same month, a group of prosecutors and agents convened a meeting to discuss any open investigations that involved Maduro or Alex Saab. —

Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 19 May 2026 By the end of the interview, both Andy and Barbara transitioned from discussing their show amid Emmys season, to passionately encouraging their viewers to read, write, and think critically. —

Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 May 2026 The actor also discussed her bisexuality, her relationship with Milo Ventimiglia, depression, domestic abuse and more. —

Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for discuss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss

Verb

Archaeologists then debated whether the tunnel was some kind of underground agricultural or industrial installation, but its scale and uniqueness in the region ruled out that possibility.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
Some of the best scenes in Clarissa are when the young friends gather around the table to debate the state of postcolonial literature and the irony of a newly democratic nation under military rule.

— Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026

Definition of debate

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discursive

discuss

discussed

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

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