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 Most notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would not participate, meaning the leaders of the three major powers would be discussing the future of a country without its president. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026 Crystal also praised Short while discussing his SNL compatriots. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2026 This conceit allows Harbach to trace the development of not just his characters but his own work, through the reception of Owen’s book and through the way Westish students discuss his other authorial proxy, Edith Wharton. — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 The meeting lasted about 10 minutes, according to the statement, which did not disclose the location nor provide details about what was discussed. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discuss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discuss

Verb

But on Monday, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan likened many of the investors drawn to the AI boom to gamblers and questioned the economics of AI labs as Wall Street debates whether the AI bubble will burst.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
The candidates for county judge debated the county’s most pressing issues, including budget management, flood control and jail diversion.

— Katie Bartlett, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of debate

Verb

Others are skeptical the task force can accomplish much in such a short time period, arguing that eventually sweeping new legislation will be needed to regulate AI.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Consumer advocates have argued that digital labels could eventually be used for surge pricing or personalized pricing.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of argue

Verb

The National Capital Planning Commission, a federal panel that reviews major construction projects, posted new renderings and accompanying documents provided by the Interior Department, which is overseeing the controversial project.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Look for unfamiliar applications in your Applications folder and review System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions for unexpected items.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of review

Browse Nearby Words

discursive

discuss

discussed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Discuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discuss. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of discuss

verb

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