argument

noun

ar·​gu·​ment ˈär-gyə-mənt How to pronounce argument (audio)
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

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
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.
Each of defendants' arguments against this narrow injunction is meritless. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 Putin reiterated at several times during his Thursday news conference the Kremlin’s argument that a temporary 30-day ceasefire would benefit Ukraine, potentially allowing the country to regroup and have more weapons delivered. Lauren Kent, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025 There is also wide agreement that the argument conflicts with more than a century of Supreme Court precedent that protects citizenship for most everyone born on U.S. soil, except for the children of foreign diplomats. arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025 Prosecutors, however, claimed Ferguson purposefully killed his wife during a fit of rage fueled by alcohol and their previous argument, per CBS News. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for argument

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin argūmentum, from arguere "to show, demonstrate" + -mentum -ment — more at argue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Argument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argument. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

argument

noun
ar·​gu·​ment ˈär-gyə-mənt How to pronounce argument (audio)
1
a
: a reason for or against something
b
: a discussion in which arguments are presented : debate
2
: an angry disagreement : quarrel

Legal Definition

argument

noun
ar·​gu·​ment
1
: a reason or the reasoning given for or against a matter under discussion compare evidence, proof
2
: the act or process of arguing, reasoning, or discussing
especially : oral argument

More from Merriam-Webster on argument

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