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.
In an era when luxury automotive partnerships often lead with branding, Louis Vuitton and Singer are selling a more traditional idea—craftsmanship becomes most persuasive when every tactile detail, far beyond the logo, carries the argument. — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The idea that farmers outside the EU should be restricted to the same chemicals that EU farmers can use has proved persuasive for many in the bloc. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 China has also invested in narrative power—the capacity to present its conduct in legal terms that foreign audiences will find intelligible and persuasive. — Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026 Venus enters Libra and your 3rd House of Communication, helping conversations feel smoother, warmer, and more persuasive. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 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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Cite this Entry

“Persuasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasive. Accessed 15 Aug. 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

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