persuasion

noun

per·​sua·​sion pər-ˈswā-zhən How to pronounce persuasion (audio)
Synonyms of persuasion
1
a
: the act or process or an instance of persuading
b
: a persuading argument
c
: the ability to persuade : persuasiveness
2
: the condition of being persuaded
3
a
: an opinion held with complete assurance
b
: a system of religious beliefs
also : a group adhering to a particular system of beliefs
4
: kind, sort

Synonyms of persuasion

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opinion, view, belief, conviction, persuasion, sentiment mean a judgment one holds as true.

opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute.

each expert seemed to have a different opinion

view suggests a subjective opinion.

very assertive in stating his views

belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.

a firm belief in her party's platform

conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.

the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human

persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.

was of the persuasion that everything changes

sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.

her feminist sentiments are well-known

Examples of persuasion in a Sentence

It would take a lot of persuasion to get him to agree to such an offer. Most kids don't need much persuasion to use computers. people of all different persuasions
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.
Plan creative variations for persuasion targets, turnout audiences and different demographic groups so targeting is paired with relevant messaging. — Kris Qiu, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 VisionSpring relied on persuasion and pilot schemes and built a hyper-efficient 15-minute screening protocol to keep production lines moving. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 Others, like his call for integrity, character, and civility in public life, should be welcomed by readers of any political persuasion. — Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026 These rifts were mirrored at the École, where students argued about politics and split into groups according to their leftist persuasions. — Literary Hub, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for persuasion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English persuasioun, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French persuasion, from Latin persuasion-, persuasio, from persuadēre

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Phrases Containing persuasion

Rhymes for persuasion

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Browse Nearby Words

persuasible
persuasion
persuasive
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Cite this Entry

“Persuasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasion. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

persuasion

noun
per·​sua·​sion pər-ˈswā-zhən How to pronounce persuasion (audio)
1
: the act of persuading
2
: the power or ability to persuade
3
: the state of being persuaded
4
a
: a way of believing
especially : a system of religious beliefs
b
: a group having the same religious beliefs

Medical Definition

persuasion

noun
per·​sua·​sion pər-ˈswā-zhən How to pronounce persuasion (audio)
: a method of treating neuroses consisting essentially in rational conversation and reeducation

More from Merriam-Webster on persuasion

Nglish: Translation of persuasion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about persuasion

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