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.
Research has previously shown that AI models can be extremely persuasive, more so than even the best human salespeople or debaters. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 The analogy isn’t all that persuasive at the level of ownership. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 Cook will play Elias Clarke, who is handsome, charming, and quietly persuasive. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 Falwell, with his booming voice and southern charm, was persuasive to many. — Literary Hub, 25 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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