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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Right-wing pundits such as Matt Walsh began discussing the fraud as a failure of cultural assimilation. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Rogers said Trump will discuss ways to increase refining capacity, expand energy production across the supply chain and lower prices for consumers. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 The board discussed the possibility last month and Tuesday voted unanimously to proceed. — Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Burke’s now former legal team declined to discuss the reason for the switch outside the courtroom. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discuss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss

Verb

In their discussions, economists and policymakers debated the regulatory challenges in a world where tokenization is revolutionizing how financial assets are held and transferred.

— Maria Eloisa Capurro, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Researchers have debated for years whether these dendrites begin at the electrolyte’s surface or deeper inside the material.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of debate

Verb

Some officials argue that would let Iceland keep control of its waters, since no EU country has fished there for decades.

— Reuters, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
While that figure was low, the researchers argued that even a small risk of unintended weapons use could be unacceptable in sensitive maritime confrontations.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of argue

Verb

Congress now has 90 days of continuous session to review the agreement, which would go into effect absent objection.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Still, the archetypal influencer in our cultural imagination is not a man reviewing watches on YouTube or hosting a podcast from his studio in Austin.

— Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of review

Browse Nearby Words

discursive

discuss

discussed

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“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of discuss

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