argue

verb

ar·​gue ˈär-(ˌ)gyü How to pronounce argue (audio)
argued; arguing

intransitive verb

1
: to give reasons for or against something : reason
argue for a new policy
2
: to contend or disagree in words : dispute
They're always arguing about money.

transitive verb

1
: to give evidence of : indicate
The facts argue his innocence.
2
: to consider the pros and cons of : discuss
argue an issue
3
: to prove or try to prove by giving reasons : maintain
asking for a chance to argue his case
4
: to persuade by giving reasons : induce
couldn't argue her out of going
arguer
ˈär-gyə-wər How to pronounce argue (audio)
-gyü-ər
noun
Choose the Right Synonym for argue

discuss, argue, debate 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

argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties

debated the merits of the amendment

; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself.

I'm debating whether I should go

Examples of argue in a Sentence

She argued against the proposed law. The senator argued in favor of lowering taxes. He's always willing to argue for what is right. She argued that the proposed law should be defeated. He argued that it's far too early to make a decision. No one can argue me out of doing this. They started arguing about politics. She would argue with anyone.
Recent Examples on the Web Lake's attorneys argued in court that Richer intended to chill Lake's speech by bringing a defamation lawsuit against her. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Mar. 2024 However, prosecutors argued against that claim, according to the news outlet. Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2024 Dimon argued that there should be more focus on skills and pointed out that a 17-year-old could be a bank teller and earn $40,000 a year. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 In disputing the penalty, the company argued that Gutierrez Reed was given adequate time to do her job. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024 Several blamed Trump for divisions in the Republican party and argued that Haley would stand a better chance of beating President Joe Biden in the general election in November. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2024 The National Foreign Trade Council, whose members include major shippers such as FedEx, UPS and DHL as well as online retailers like Amazon and eBay, argue that restricting its use would make purchases more expensive for American consumers and small businesses. Didi Tang, Fortune Asia, 4 Mar. 2024 But many doctors have opposed the plan, arguing universities can't offer quality education to such an abrupt increase in students. Hyung-Jin Kim, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024 Councilmembers Spring and Yvonne Martinez Beltran argued that since voter turnout increases during presidential election years, a four-year mayoral term should align with the presidential election cycle to encourage voter participation. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'argue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French arguer to reprove, argue & Latin arguere to demonstrate, prove; Anglo-French arguer, from Latin argutare to prate, frequentative of arguere; akin to Hittite arkuwai- to plead, respond

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of argue was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near argue

Cite this Entry

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argue. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

argue

verb
ar·​gue ˈär-gyü How to pronounce argue (audio)
argued; arguing
1
: to give reasons for or against
argue in favor of lowering taxes
2
: to talk about some matter usually with different points of view
argue about politics
3
: to persuade by giving reasons
tried to argue their parents into getting a new car
arguer noun

Legal Definition

argue

verb
ar·​gue
argued; arguing

intransitive verb

1
: to give reasons for or against a matter in dispute
arguing for an extension
2
: to present a case in court
will argue for the defense

transitive verb

1
a
: to give reasons for or against
argued the issue before the judge
b
: to prove or try to prove by giving reasons or evidence
will argue invasion of privacy
2
: to present in court
lawyers in court filing briefs and arguing appealsRorie Sherman
arguable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on argue

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