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

Vance is leading the negotiations with Iran, which include persuading the Islamic Republic to pull back its support for Hezbollah in return for financial relief. — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

But by that point, the banks were so overwhelmed that they could, at least in theory, be persuaded to settle for far less than they were owed. — Paula Aceves, Curbed, 26 June 2026

Contributors know Percy’s films often become the defining accounts of major events, which helps persuade them to take part. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 26 June 2026

Initially, Hallam could only persuade the jail to offer Sublocade, an injectable medication. — Hannah Harris Green, STAT, 26 June 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