PERSUASIVE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

persuasive

adjective

pər-ˈswā-siv

Definition of persuasive

as in compelling

having the power to persuade a persuasive argument for increasing funding of the city's library system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of persuasive 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 The correspondence that followed was equally persuasive, laying out the subjects the person identifying themselves as Gross intended to discuss with him, demonstrating what appeared to be deep, actual knowledge of Vilanch’s work. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 Aside from Marta herself, a few persuasive factors recur in conversation with Zara’s collaborators. — Gaby Wood, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persuasive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persuasive

Adjective

How widespread those changes will be is a compelling question.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
This involves understanding and speaking the client's language, translating complex technology into tangible business outcomes, and delivering compelling presentations.

— William Arruda, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of compelling

Adjective

Critics of Modi’s prudent management of Washington have not come up with a convincing alternative strategy for how India should handle the growing power imbalance with China.

— C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
Sturdivant has been one of the Packers’ training camp standouts, making a convincing case for his inclusion on the 53-man roster.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of convincing

Adjective

Metagenomic testing on blood samples, which is also becoming more common, is not always conclusive; localized infections don’t always reach the bloodstream.

— Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026
Officials concluded that the video did not offer conclusive proof that a person fell off the ship.

— Curran Rastogi, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of conclusive

Adjective

Davis delivered a strong preseason, but he is now likely headed to a redshirt rookie season unless injuries strike at tackle.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of strong

Browse Nearby Words

persuasions

persuasive

persuasiveness

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“Persuasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persuasive. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of persuasive

adjective

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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