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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Trauma, van der Kolk argues, can persist long after the danger has passed, disrupting the ability to integrate painful memories and move forward. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026 Danny Ayalon said that Ben-Gvir had missed an opportunity to change course despite his lack of military service and past conviction, arguing that his tenure had instead had a damaging impact, including on Israel’s diplomatic standing. — Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 But Mashish argues that new perspectives need to be matched with experience. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026 The Justice Department has argued in its suit that the name overlap risks confusing voters. — Willem Marx, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for argue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue

Verb

The lawsuit in District Court for the District of Columbia contends that the federal government failed to comply with numerous statutes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
Mazzio's attorney said the two men are longtime friends and contends their actions were legal.

— Alice Gainer, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of contend

Verb

The two of them together, just 17 months apart, shared playlists, bickered over where to stop during Apple CarPlay calls, pulled up beside me and faded away with silly faces, encapsulating 20 years of my life in my rearview mirror.

— Robert Duffer, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Like law enforcement agents everywhere, they’re disposed to bickering about jurisdiction or pumping each other for off-limits information.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of bicker

Verb

What readers are saying The comments discuss various aspects of maintaining health and well-being as one ages, emphasizing the importance of exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and mental activity.

— Richard Sima, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Without a sustained industrial push that the EU has only begun to discuss, Europe can raise the commercial and regulatory costs of the route, but cannot prevent or replace the China-Russia partnership that now operates it.

— Lee Ying Shan,Matthew Tan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of discuss

Verb

For now, Smith and her team are on the road as the Valkyries fight to take home the WNBA Championship Trophy.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
My school years passed in a sliding door moment, and all there was to behold in that frame was a young man who had to physically fight to be allowed to be someone else—himself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fight

Verb

The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The challenge was not simply to persuade undecided voters, but to get those who already preferred him to show up at the polls.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of persuade

Browse Nearby Words

arguable

argue

argued

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Style

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of argue

verb

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