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.
Acceptance: Accept that persuasive AI is becoming a permanent feature of our world. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 Ditto his distinctive appearance, trumped only by a persuasive smile that conveyed an innocence and friendliness somewhat at odds with his braggadocio tales and hedonistic tendencies. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 Trump was persuasive with House GOP firebrands and moderate holdouts. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 May 2025 More scenes of the nonagenarian grappling with the realities of that mourning would have strengthened the film by offering a more persuasive foundation for her later decisions. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 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 5 Jun. 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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