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
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
People have different reassurance languages, and using the wrong one can leave your partner feeling unsettled, even if the argument is technically over.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
The argument as articulated so far by Trump administration officials appears to play down the economic benefits created by Social Security payments, infrastructure spending, scientific research and other forms of government spending that can shape an economy’s trajectory.
—Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
With the stakes that high, Zelensky’s political opponents and many independent analysts called Friday’s argument in the Oval Office a diplomatic catastrophe, unprecedented and inexcusable.
—Simon Shuster/kyiv, TIME, 1 Mar. 2025
Choose your battles wisely—some arguments aren’t worth winning (or having).
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for argument
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Mark Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
The argument as articulated so far by Trump administration officials appears to play down the economic benefits created by Social Security payments, infrastructure spending, scientific research and other forms of government spending that can shape an economy’s trajectory.
—Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
With the stakes that high, Zelensky’s political opponents and many independent analysts called Friday’s argument in the Oval Office a diplomatic catastrophe, unprecedented and inexcusable.
—Simon Shuster/kyiv, TIME, 1 Mar. 2025
Choose your battles wisely—some arguments aren’t worth winning (or having).
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for argument
Articles Related to argument
Cite this Entry
“Argument.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argument. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
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argument
noun
ar·gu·ment
ˈär-gyə-mənt
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