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Definitions

argue

[ahr-gyoo] / ˈɑr gyu /
VERB
verbally fight
Synonyms
STRONGEST
contend disagree dispute quarrel quibble squabble
STRONG
altercate bandy battle bicker buck cross feud hammer hash hassle jump pettifog rehash row sass wrangle
WEAK
break with bump heads cross swords face down face off gang up on get in one's face go one-on-one hammer away hash over have at each other have at it jump on knock around lock horns mix it up pick an argument put up a fight put up a struggle set to sock it to stick it to talk back
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agree concur give in
STRONG
make peace
WEAK
abstain comply harmonize ignore keep quiet keep silent overlook
VERB
try to convince; present support
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appeal assert claim contend defend demonstrate explain indicate maintain plead present suggest testify
STRONG
attest controvert denote display elucidate establish evince exhibit hold imply justify manifest persuade reason show vindicate warrant witness
WEAK
prevail upon talk into
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon conceal confuse deny desert disclaim hide leave renounce surrender
STRONG
agree cover obscure stop withhold
WEAK
abstain comply harmonize ignore keep quiet keep silent overlook
VERB
discuss, dispute
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clarify debate discuss dispute maintain question talk about
STRONG
agitate canvass expostulate hold reason remonstrate
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agree go along
WEAK
abstain comply harmonize ignore keep quiet keep silent overlook

Usage

What are other ways to say argue? To argue is to present one's reasons for or against a thing: The scientists argued for a safer testing procedure; it may also imply disputing in an angry or excited way: His parents argue all the time. To discuss is to present varied opinions and views: to discuss ways and means. To debate is to interchange formal (usually opposing) arguments, especially on public questions: to debate a proposed amendment.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Those legislative lines, I would argue, are unconstitutional,” Rexroad said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

The U.S. raised tariffs for hundreds of metal-containing products last year in a move some Europeans argue violated the agreement.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Supporters argue that it can act as a deterrent, with one parent saying "it screams 'red flag' if places are against having CCTV, if they have got nothing to hide".

From BBC • May 6, 2026

But you don’t produce them, you may argue.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Being next to Columbia, Olaf had tried many times to get him to argue or bluster but Columbia always ignored him.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Vocabulary lists containing argue

Academic Vocabulary Toolkit 1, Words 1-10

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3

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