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

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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

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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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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 Nearly 50 groups have joined a coalition that includes chambers of commerce, labor unions, nonprofits and the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors to argue that the plant is a critical bridge to the state’s clean energy future. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Both Waltz and Bartos argue that reform is intended to strengthen precisely these kinds of operations by eliminating duplication elsewhere. — Bethany Mandel, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026 Prosecutors have been arguing that Clancy acted intentionally. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026 In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Karman argued that restoring a functioning Yemeni state is ultimately essential to defeating armed groups and securing the country. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for argue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for argue

Verb

Conservationists and some state officials contend the move is a pretext for commercial development that will harm wildlife habitats and water quality.

— Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Anthony’s attorneys contend those comments have created the appearance that Roach prejudged the defense’s claims.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of contend

Verb

There’s striker Josie Gordon, bickering twin sisters Siobhan and Niamh, glove-shunning goalie Katie ‘Boots’ Quinn and couple Maddie and Margy.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Still bloody in last night’s clothing, the two fill a cart with candy and bicker contentedly about the state of the candy industry—arguably also a wink at the state of film.

— JP Mangalindan, Time, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of bicker

Verb

Global economic instability has created unease at home, and a property crisis coupled with high youth unemployment has convinced some residents that securing a stable job within the government is the best path.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The potential that convinced Aston Villa to bet on a young, raw talent was clear.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of convince

Verb

Officials will discuss strengthening Iran-Iraq relations, border security, economic cooperation and counterterrorism, among other topics, the broadcaster IRIB reported.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Team-mate Mbaye has also been discussed this summer but senior Liverpool figures insist their interest has only been exploratory to date and strongly dismissed suggestions that personal terms have already been agreed with the 18-year-old.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of discuss

Verb

Instead, Watts reasoned McCollough must not have had enough water that day.

— Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
And people including many scientists living back then, were very convinced that this was an animal who could do mathematics, who could count, who could reason about simple problems in the way that humans do.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of reason

Verb

That’s exactly what happened with money market funds, another savings instrument that the banks fought using questionable arguments, only to be proven wrong.

— Omid Malekan, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
The team comes up with scenarios in which Emi fights a mech or battles yakuza in the clouds, and the fights defy expectations.

— Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of fight

Verb

The king’s openness in talking about his diagnosis has been credited with persuading more men to be tested for prostate cancer and other forms of the disease.

— Danica Kirka, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Save to wishlist Melin Tregwynt Welsh Blanket Sanneh, who Miron Ahlers persuaded to join The Trail Club, sees the house as the next phase of the club.

— Sara Ruffin Costello, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of persuade

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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 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of argue

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