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
Synonyms
Examples of argument in a Sentence
They made a compelling argument for our participation.
The committee presented strong arguments against building a new school.
a lawyer's closing argument at the trial
His argument did not convince his opponents.
Let us accept, for the sake of argument, that she is right.
Don't you want to hear both sides of the argument?
They were always getting into arguments about politics.
There were many arguments about the new design.
They settled an argument that started in class.
I don't want to hear any arguments about whether you'll go.
Recent Examples on the Web
Attorney Roman Martinez appeared before the Supreme Court a decade ago to defend the government’s use of an obstruction statute similar to the one that is the focus of Tuesday’s argument.
—
Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2024
Since October, just over one-third of the arguments were made by women, compared with under one-quarter of arguments the year before.
—Mark Sherman, Quartz, 13 Apr. 2024
But that doesn't change the argument that customers need relief after energy costs and company profits have risen faster than inflation, Content said.
—Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2024
In the intimacy of her father’s small flat, the father and daughter exchange gentle arguments, tender and humorous moments, as Kassem swiftly moves, back and forth, on both side of the camera.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024
Garland’s argument that both sides are at fault, though, is disingenuous to the reality of the United States, both in 2020 when Garland wrote the script and even more so now, just months out from potentially the most consequential election in American history.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 12 Apr. 2024
Rather than evade the question of intimacy in favor of tidy social and political arguments, Parks embraces its formidable complications.
—Imani Perry Janina Edwards Krish Seenivasan Devin Murphy, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024
This is part of a broader argument that the Biden administration has hurt more than helped students.
—USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024
The judge’s opinion of that argument was withering.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2024
Since October, just over one-third of the arguments were made by women, compared with under one-quarter of arguments the year before.
—Mark Sherman, Quartz, 13 Apr. 2024
But that doesn't change the argument that customers need relief after energy costs and company profits have risen faster than inflation, Content said.
—Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2024
In the intimacy of her father’s small flat, the father and daughter exchange gentle arguments, tender and humorous moments, as Kassem swiftly moves, back and forth, on both side of the camera.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024
Garland’s argument that both sides are at fault, though, is disingenuous to the reality of the United States, both in 2020 when Garland wrote the script and even more so now, just months out from potentially the most consequential election in American history.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 12 Apr. 2024
Rather than evade the question of intimacy in favor of tidy social and political arguments, Parks embraces its formidable complications.
—Imani Perry Janina Edwards Krish Seenivasan Devin Murphy, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024
This is part of a broader argument that the Biden administration has hurt more than helped students.
—USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024
The judge’s opinion of that argument was withering.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'argument.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to argument
Dictionary Entries Near argument
Cite this Entry
“Argument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argument. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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argument
noun
ar·gu·ment
ˈär-gyə-mənt
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