persuade

verb

per·​suade pər-ˈswād 

persuaded; persuading

transitive verb

1

: to move by argument, entreaty, or expostulation to a belief, position, or course of action

2

: to plead with : urge

persuader noun

Synonyms of persuade

• convince
• satisfy

Examples of persuade in a Sentence

He persuaded his friend to go back to school.

She couldn't be persuaded to go.

He would not let himself be persuaded into buying the more expensive stereo.

I am not easily persuaded.

They persuaded us that we were wrong.

He persuaded himself that he had made the right choice.

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2023, Paramount persuaded Republicans in Texas to provide a series of financially favorable changes to the state’s production laws. — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Harris has had 30 years of fundraising practice, working to persuade donors and funding organizations to support Harris Park and the golf course. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

Consultant Bill Rathjen, of McColly Real Estate, persuaded the RDC on Thursday to smoosh the parcels together into four new units, following natural boundaries. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

In the end, the document accelerated review for some drugs and pushed the government to reschedule psychedelic substances that perform well in large clinical trials, enough to persuade Rogan and Hubbard to show for the signing. — Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin persuadēre, from per- thoroughly + suadēre to advise, urge — more at sweet

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for persuade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

Kids Definition

persuade

verb

per·​suade pər-ˈswād 

persuaded; persuading

: to win over to a belief or to a course of action by argument or earnest request

persuadable

-ˈswād-ə-bəl

adjective

persuader noun