Entry Word: persuasion

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the act of reasoning or pleading with someone to accept a belief or course of action <the suffragistsʼ gradual persuasion of the American people that voting rights had to be extended to women>

Synonyms convincing, inducement, inducing, persuading, suasion

Related Words cajolery, coaxing, exhortation, urging; seduction, tempting; influencing, prompting, swaying; lobbying, pressuring

2 a body of beliefs and practices regarding the supernatural and the worship of one or more deities <debating theology with someone of a different persuasion> — see religion 1
3 an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge <heʼs of the persuasion that everything that happens in this world is part of a divine plan> — see opinion 1