persuasive

adjective

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

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.
But perhaps the most persuasive testimony came from Mrs. Hall herself, who embodied the defense’s portrait of a loyal, unsuspecting wife, home alone and anxious over her husband’s mysterious disappearance. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 27 June 2025 The most persuasive factor is Broadcom’s custom silicon division. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 If your priority is peaceful refinement, these Genesis sedans are quietly persuasive contenders. New Atlas, 22 June 2025 The utility companies are arguing the text exchange makes a persuasive case that Gillett may have written or contributed to the op-ed. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Persuasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasive. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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