persuasive

adjective

per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv How to pronounce persuasive (audio)
-ziv
Synonyms of persuasive
: tending to persuade
persuasively adverb
persuasiveness noun

Synonyms of persuasive

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Examples of persuasive in a Sentence

We weren't shown any persuasive evidence that he had committed the crime. a persuasive argument for increasing funding of the city's library system
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.
And Albert Grossman was such a persuasive kind of guy. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026 If Brooklyn wants to bet on a more traditional lead guard, Acuff still owns a persuasive case. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026 The information was more persuasive when it was certified by an independent third party, and this could outperform a general durability claim made by the brand itself. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026 The information was more persuasive when certified by an independent third party, which could outperform a general durability claim from the brand itself. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for persuasive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of persuasive was in the 15th century

Rhymes for persuasive

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Persuasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

persuasive

adjective
per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv How to pronounce persuasive (audio)
-ziv
: tending to persuade
a persuasive argument
persuasively adverb
persuasiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on persuasive

Nglish: Translation of persuasive for Spanish Speakers

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