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 fact, one might be persuaded to simply admire them rather than put them to use. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 23 May 2026

America is, as Gorsuch said, a nation based on the ideas of the Declaration of Independence, and these ideas have persuaded millions across the world for 250 years. —Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 23 May 2026

The jurors weren’t persuaded, though. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2026

The goal of securing an indictment is no longer, as Justice Department regulations still require, to put together a case strong enough to persuade a jury to convict. —Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 21 May 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