argues synonym for essay

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verb as in verbally fight

Strongest matches

contend , disagree , dispute , quarrel , quibble , squabble

Strong matches

altercate , bandy , battle , bicker , buck , cross , feud , hammer , hash , hassle , jump , pettifog , rehash , row , sass , wrangle

Weak matches

break with , bump heads , cross swords , face down , face off , gang up on , get in one's face , go one-on-one , hammer away , hash over , have at each other , have at it , jump on , knock around , lock horns , mix it up , pick an argument , put up a fight , put up a struggle , set to , sock it to , stick it to , talk back

verb as in try to convince; present support

appeal , assert , claim , contend , defend , demonstrate , explain , indicate , maintain , plead , present , suggest , testify

attest , controvert , denote , display , elucidate , establish , evince , exhibit , hold , imply , justify , manifest , persuade , reason , show , vindicate , warrant , witness

prevail upon , talk into

verb as in discuss, dispute

clarify , debate , discuss , dispute , maintain , question , talk about

agitate , canvass , expostulate , hold , reason , remonstrate

Example Sentences

At the same time, though, he argued that businesses shouldn’t be the only ones subject to enforcement because business owners could build fines into their overall cost of operation.

How to make a martini your guests will love — or at least love to argue aboutChocolate Lava Cakes for Two.

While officials argued that Mori’s presence at the helm of the organizing committee was needed to ensure the Games went ahead, it became apparent that his continued presence risked sinking the ship.

Officials argue some of the payments were not yet due, some were tied up in appeals and some were in the process of being gathered.

Many of these telecom giants argue through their primary lobbying arm, the trade group USTelecom, that Congress should finance phone and broadband benefits for low-income Americans on its own.

In the book, Tavris and Aronson argue that the same ability to overlook minor flaws in a marriage leads to overlooking major ones.

Mailer would argue, for example, that timidity does more harm to the novelist than donning a mask of extreme self-confidence.

One could argue that this was never exactly hidden from her readers.

“Women go to the bathroom together and gossip, talk and argue all the time,” Vithi Cuc told The National.

Starting with the idea of androgyny, you argue that there is a woman in every man, and vice versa.

"But I can't stop to argue about it now;" and, saying this, he turned into a side path, and disappeared in the wood.

This seemed entirely unnecessary to mine host, and he wanted to argue the point.

When people argue in this strain, I immediately assume the offensive.

But she knew it was useless to argue with Henry, so she hastily groped in the bag for the matches and handed them to her brother.

It would argue too much literary conceit on my part were I anxious to restore it to the light of day.

Related Words

Words related to argue are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word argue . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

verb as in disturb, trouble someone

• push buttons

verb as in reply, react

• acknowledge
• answer back
• back at you
• be in touch
• counterclaim
• field the question
• get back at
• get back to
• give a snappy comeback

verb as in insist, declare, maintain

• put forward
• stand up for

Viewing 5 / 76 related words

When To Use

What are other ways to say  argue .

To argue is to present one’s reasons for or against a thing: The scientists argued for a safer testing procedure; it may also imply disputing in an angry or excited way: His parents argue all the time. To discuss is to present varied opinions and views: to discuss ways and means. To debate is to interchange formal (usually opposing) arguments, especially on public questions: to debate a proposed amendment.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

10 Other Ways to Say “The Author States” (With Example)

When writing academic papers, it is important to properly cite and reference sources. One common way we do this is by introducing a statement from a source with phrases like “the author states…”.

However, academic writing can become repetitive and boring if we use the same phrases over and over. In this blog post, we will explore various alternatives to “the author states” that will make your academic writing more engaging and eloquent.

We will look at active voice alternatives that keep the author as the subject while using more dynamic verbs. Next, we will examine passive voice options that shift the focus from the author to the content itself.

By the end, you will have several new options to introduce quotes and paraphrases from sources in a compelling way.

Whether you are writing a research paper, literature review, or other academic work, this post will provide you with impactful alternatives to the tired old standby “the author states.” Polishing these small details will elevate your academic writing style.

Is It Okay to Say “The Author States”?

It is okay to say “the author states” in academic writing, but this phrase should be used sparingly . Overusing this generic attribution can make your writing seem dull and repetitive . While “the author states” is not technically incorrect, there are more eloquent alternatives that will strengthen your academic style.

When introducing source material, you want to keep the author as the subject of the sentence whenever possible. Active verbs like “argues,” “asserts,” “claims,” and “insists” are more engaging than the simplistic “states.”

For example , “Smith argues that sustainable energy is the most feasible solution” has more impact than “ Smith states that sustainable energy is the most feasible solution.”

You can also opt to shift the focus from the author to the content itself through passive voice attributions.

For instance, “It is asserted in the study that strict gun laws reduce firearm deaths” emphasizes the claim rather than the author. Using the noun “study” rather than the author’s name turns the source into the subject.

Finally, paraphrasing source information in your own words is often an eloquent alternative to direct quotes. You maintain the original meaning while engaging your voice and style. Just be sure to still attribute the paraphrased content.

What to Say Instead of “The Author States”

• The author argues
• The author suggests
• The author claims
• The author asserts
• The author proposes
• The author points out
• The author maintains
• The author concludes
• The author remarks
• The author notes

1. The author argues

“ The author argues ” indicates a position or perspective that the author is actively defending or advocating for in their writing. This expression is commonly used in academic or analytical contexts where the author’s main thesis or viewpoint is being examined.

For example, in a critique of a philosophical text, you might say, “In his examination of free will, the author argues that true autonomy is an illusion shaped by societal norms.”

This highlights the author’s active stance on a contentious issue.

2. The author suggests

When you say “ the author suggests ,” you’re indicating that the author is hinting at or implying an idea without stating it outright. This is often used when the author’s statements are more subtle or open to interpretation.

For instance, in discussing a novel’s themes, one might write, “Through the vivid imagery of the desolate landscape, the author suggests a profound sense of isolation and abandonment that mirrors the protagonist’s emotional state.”

3. The author claims

Using “ the author claims ” implies that the author is making a statement or assertion that could be subject to scrutiny or debate. It’s a useful phrase when discussing points that might be controversial or not universally accepted.

In a scientific critique , you could state, “In her study on climate change, the author claims that the rapid decline in polar ice caps is directly correlated with industrial carbon emissions,” indicating a specific assertion made by the author.

4. The author asserts

“ The author asserts ” is a strong way to convey that the author is stating something with confidence or authority. This phrase is particularly effective when the author is making a clear, definitive statement about a topic.

An example in a political analysis might be, “In his argument against economic sanctions, the author asserts that such measures only serve to harm the civilian population without effectively pressuring governmental change.”

5. The author proposes

Saying “ the author proposes ” indicates that the author is putting forward a suggestion, theory, or method. It’s often used when the author is introducing a new concept or approach to a problem.

For example, in a discussion of a new educational methodology, you might say, “In her latest book, the author proposes a radical shift towards experiential learning, arguing that it significantly enhances student engagement and retention.”

6. The author points out

“ The author points out ” is used when highlighting or drawing attention to a particular fact or detail that the author believes is important. It’s a way of indicating that the author is identifying something noteworthy.

In a review of a historical text, one could write, “Throughout the narrative, the author points out several overlooked events that played a crucial role in shaping the course of the war, offering readers a more nuanced understanding of history.”

7. The author maintains

When you use “ the author maintains ,” you’re indicating that the author holds a particular belief or opinion consistently throughout their work. This phrase suggests a level of conviction and consistency in the author’s viewpoint.

For instance , in an analysis of a series of essays on justice, you might note, “Despite various counterarguments presented in the academic community, the author maintains that restorative justice models offer the most humane and effective resolution to criminal behavior.”

8. The author concludes

“ The author concludes ” is used to signify the final inference or deduction that the author arrives at after considering all evidence or arguments. It’s a way of summarizing the author’s ultimate stance or finding.

In summarizing a research paper, you could say, “After examining numerous case studies, the author concludes that early intervention in education significantly improves lifelong learning outcomes.”

9. The author remarks

Using “ the author remarks ” is a way of noting an observation or comment made by the author, often one that provides insight or adds color to their narrative or argument.

For example , in a literary analysis, you might highlight, “In a moment of introspection, the author remarks on the fleeting nature of happiness, weaving a poignant thread through the memoir that resonates with readers on a deeply personal level.”

10. The author notes

Saying “ the author notes ” is a way of acknowledging a point or detail that the author mentions, possibly as an aside to their main argument or narrative. It suggests that the author is acknowledging or recognizing specific information or trends.

Here is an example:

In discussing a report on urban development, one might point out, “In her overview of city planning challenges, the author notes the critical need for sustainable infrastructure to accommodate growing populations, highlighting the urgency of integrating green spaces in urban designs.”

Related Posts:

Synonyms of argue

• as in to contend
• as in to bicker
• as in to convince
• as in to discuss
• as in to confirm
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Thesaurus Definition of argue

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rationalize
• bandy words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• talk (into)
• prevail (on or upon)
• bring around
• fast - talk
• overpersuade
• reason (with)
• hash (over)
• bat (around or back and forth)
• talk (about)
• speak (about)
• hash (over or out)
• wrestle (with)
• thrash (out)
• corroborate
• demonstrate
• substantiate
• authenticate
• testify (to)
• vouch (for)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb argue contrast with its synonyms?

The words debate and discuss are common synonyms of argue . While all three words mean "to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince," argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

When is it sensible to use debate instead of argue ?

While in some cases nearly identical to argue , debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself.

When might discuss be a better fit than argue ?

The synonyms discuss and argue are sometimes interchangeable, but discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

Examples of argue in a Sentence

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.

Thesaurus Entries Near argue

Cite this entry.

“Argue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argue. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on argue

Nglish: Translation of argue for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of argue for Arabic Speakers

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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Synonyms and antonyms of argue in English

• TO ARGUE WITH SOMEONE

Synonyms and examples

See words related to argue, argue | american thesaurus.

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