discuss

1 of 2

verb

dis·​cuss di-ˈskəs How to pronounce discuss (audio)
discussed; discussing; discusses
Synonyms of discuss

transitive verb

1
a
: to talk about
discussing the news of the day
b
: to investigate by reasoning or argument
discuss the matter with your family
c
: to present in detail for examination or consideration
as discussed in the text
2
obsolete : declare
… discuss the same in French unto him.—Shakespeare
3
obsolete : dispel
discussable adjective
or discussible
di-ˈskə-sə-bəl How to pronounce discuss (audio)
discusser noun

discusser

2 of 2

noun

dis·​cuss·​er
-sə(r)
plural -s
: one that discusses

Synonyms of discuss

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for discuss

discuss, argue, debate 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

argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties

debated the merits of the amendment

; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself.

I'm debating whether I should go

Examples of discuss in a Sentence

Verb She discussed the plan with several colleagues. They held a meeting to discuss the future of the company. We'll discuss where to meet later. Have you discussed the matter with your family? In the first chapter, the author discusses childcare issues. The article discusses the theory in depth.
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.
Verb
The two spent more time, though, discussing Emerson’s long-term future. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Now, the park is looking for this teenager with the hope of encouraging them to see a medical provider to discuss a post-exposure treatment for rabies. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026 Always discuss the potential risks and side effects of omega-3 supplements before starting them. — Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 1 July 2026 Glazer reminded him of the presumption of innocence and told him not to discuss what happened during his arrest, only to speak privately with his attorney. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for discuss

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French discusser, from Latin discussus, past participle of discutere to disperse, from dis- apart + quatere to shake — more at dis-, quash

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of discuss was in the 15th century

Rhymes for discuss

See All Rhymes for discuss

Browse Nearby Words

discus
discuss
discussant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discuss. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

discuss

verb
dis·​cuss dis-ˈkəs How to pronounce discuss (audio)
1
: to consider carefully and openly by reasoning or argument
discuss a proposal
2
: to talk about
discuss the weather

More from Merriam-Webster on discuss

Nglish: Translation of discuss for Spanish Speakers

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