suasion

noun

sua·​sion ˈswā-zhən 

: the act of influencing or persuading

suasive

ˈswā-siv 

-ziv

adjective

suasively adverb

suasiveness noun

Synonyms of suasion

• convincing
• persuasion
• conversion
• inducement

Examples of suasion in a Sentence

a defense lawyer uses not only legal arguments but also moral suasion to appeal to a jury's sense of right and wrong

Recent Examples on the Web

In some circumstances, moral suasion can also be effective. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026

To that end, an objection by an athlete who is a class member and who stands to lose out from the settlement’s approval will likely have suasion. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 7 Feb. 2025

All that remains may be the power of public suasion, but Gilead hasn’t demonstrated much sensitivity to such pressure. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

In this newest cover-up, Clooney repeats his film’s original failing — its nostalgic salute to the power of electronic media suasion. — Armond White, National Review, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin suasion-, suasio, from suadēre to urge, persuade — more at sweet

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for suasion

• asian
• abrasion
• caucasian
• equation
• eurasian
• evasion
• invasion
• occasion
• persuasion
• athanasian

Kids Definition

suasion

noun

sua·​sion ˈswā-zhən 

: the act of influencing or persuading

moral suasion