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
Many of the Justices seemed skeptical of Trump’s lawyer’s argument that a former President has absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts related to the presidency.
—
Nik Popli, TIME, 25 Apr. 2024
Since premiering in 1963, the seminal show has become part of the fabric of British culture, reaching across generations and prompting many a dinner-table argument about which Doctor is the best.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024
There’s at least a good argument that banning TikTok would violate the free speech rights of users, and the company itself has free speech rights.
—Larry Seltzer, SPIN, 25 Apr. 2024
The women on the bench seemed especially skeptical of Idaho’s argument.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 2024
There’s little to no argument — and shouldn’t be — that Bush, the former Helix High School star, was the best college player in 2005.
—Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2024
Riley Beggin: The argument from proponents of the bill is that this is a national security issue.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
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
Nik Popli, TIME, 25 Apr. 2024
Since premiering in 1963, the seminal show has become part of the fabric of British culture, reaching across generations and prompting many a dinner-table argument about which Doctor is the best.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024
There’s at least a good argument that banning TikTok would violate the free speech rights of users, and the company itself has free speech rights.
—Larry Seltzer, SPIN, 25 Apr. 2024
The women on the bench seemed especially skeptical of Idaho’s argument.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 2024
There’s little to no argument — and shouldn’t be — that Bush, the former Helix High School star, was the best college player in 2005.
—Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2024
Riley Beggin: The argument from proponents of the bill is that this is a national security issue.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
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
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 28 Apr. 2024.
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argument
noun
ar·gu·ment
ˈär-gyə-mənt
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