persuasive

adjective

per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv 

-ziv

: tending to persuade

persuasively adverb

persuasiveness noun

Synonyms of persuasive

• compelling
• convincing
• conclusive
• strong

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

When Brolin’s voice takes on a ghostly presence inside the whale, the emotional insistence grows louder without becoming more persuasive. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026

Evidence supporting our position seems persuasive, while contradictory evidence receives unusually vigorous scrutiny. — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

The academics have answers to many of these criticisms, though not ones that critics find persuasive. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Others cite the lack of a persuasive justification for conflict, the strikes themselves and subsequent fits and starts of peacemaking as evidence that America’s global image has been undermined, as has the persuasiveness of its public claims. — Christopher Nichols, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for persuasive

• abrasive
• invasive
• pervasive
• noninvasive
• unpersuasive

Kids Definition

persuasive

adjective

per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv 

-ziv

: tending to persuade

a persuasive argument

persuasively adverb

persuasiveness noun