argument
noun
ar·gu·ment
ˈär-gyə-mənt
1
a
: the act or process of arguing, reasoning, or discussing : argumentation
b
: a coherent series of reasons, statements, or facts intended to support or establish a point of view
a defense attorney's closing argument
c
: an angry quarrel or disagreement
having an argument over/about money
trying to settle an argument
2
a
: a reason given for or against a matter under discussion
They presented their arguments in favor of the proposal.
b
: a form of rhetorical expression intended to convince or persuade
3
: an abstract (see abstract entry 2 sense 1) or summary especially of a literary work
4
: the subject matter especially of a literary work
5
a
mathematics
: one of the independent variables upon whose value that of a function depends
b
grammar
: a substantive (such as the direct object of a transitive verb) that is required by a predicate in grammar
c
mathematics
: amplitude sense 4
6
obsolete
: an outward sign : indication
Cite this Entry
“Argument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argument. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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