expostulating
Arguing against something
Expostulating is earnestly objecting or reasoning with someone to dissuade them from a course of action.
The word carries a tone of urgent, somewhat formal protest: He stood expostulating with the officer while his friends waited nervously.
It suggests more than simple disagreement—a sustained effort to change someone's mind through argument or appeal.
Expressing formal disapproval
- remonstratingPleading in opposition
- complainingExpressing discontent verbally
- arguingVerbal conflict between parties
- opposingStanding against something
dissenting · disputing · challenging · contesting · resisting · denouncing · decrying · disapproving
Verbal conflict between parties
- disputingArguing over validity
- contendingStriving in rivalry
- debatingFormal argumentative discourse
- counteringActing in opposition
rebutting · refuting · challenging · questioning · interrogating · cross-examining · taking to task · holding forth
Drawing logical conclusions
- urgingStrongly encouraging action
- pleadingUrgent heartfelt request
- entreatingUrgently asking for favor
- imploringUrgently requesting with emotion
beseeching · appealing · coaxing · dissuading · cautioning · warning · advising · counseling
objecting
Expressing formal disapproval
- remonstratingPleading in opposition
- complainingExpressing discontent verbally
- arguingVerbal conflict between parties
opposing · dissenting · disputing · challenging · contesting · resisting · denouncing · decrying · disapproving · raising objections
arguing
Verbal conflict between parties
- disputingArguing over validity
- contendingStriving in rivalry
- debatingFormal argumentative discourse
countering · rebutting · refuting · challenging · questioning · interrogating · cross-examining · taking to task · holding forth · lecturing
reasoning
Drawing logical conclusions
- urgingStrongly encouraging action
- pleadingUrgent heartfelt request
- entreatingUrgently asking for favor
imploring · beseeching · appealing · coaxing · dissuading · cautioning · warning · advising · counseling · admonishing
expostulatingacquiescing
Consenting without protest
submitting · yielding · complying · suffering in silence · accepting
expostulatingagreeing
Sharing the same view
concurring · approving · keeping quiet · saying nothing · endorsing
expostulatingignoring
Deliberately not noticing
disregarding · shrugging off · turning a blind eye · looking the other way · brushing off