Definition of discussnext

Synonym Chooser

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 Homeowners can also discuss warranties, installation requirements, pricing and potential energy-efficiency benefits. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026 Chinese authorities have tightened their grip on the media, the legal profession, and civil society, limiting the space for Chinese citizens to discuss mounting social woes and extinguishing emerging calls for deeper political reform. — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026 In Figuring Out, guests like Macron, Gates, Michael Phelps, Andrew Huberman and Sunita Williams discuss business, wealth, health, relationships and human behavior. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026 Of the evaluation’s 898 tasks, 198 had never been solved by any of OpenAI’s models, and those accounted for 93% of what the agents discussed on the board. — Dhyey Mavani, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss
Verb
  • While the two candidates were technically debating each other, the most prominent name onstage wasn’t there and isn’t on the ballot.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Fourth graders debate whether a company will still be in business in 10 years.
    — Michael Poore Special to the Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Marc Elias has argued dozens of cases around mail-in balloting and election access across the country and in front of the Supreme Court over the last decade.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • His complaint argues that the plural title invites audiences to suspect a second culprit besides Mun.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Jurors repeatedly reviewed surveillance video capturing the hours, minutes and seconds leading to the shooting before ultimately deadlocking on the homicide charges.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • An investigative panel produced a 99-page report outlining its findings, according to documents filed in court and reviewed by The Associated Press.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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