persuade

1 of 2

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

persuader

2 of 2

noun

per·​suad·​er

-də(r)

plural -s

1

: one that persuades

2

: something (as a gun or whip) used in compelling

Synonyms of persuade

Verb

• convince
• satisfy

Examples of persuade in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Every significant change requires persuading governments that frequently disagree on nearly everything else. — Bethany Mandel, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026

That strategy—adding explicit advice to the reassurance—may be the fix that allows doctors both to reassure and persuade patients to stick with a treatment protocol. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Aug. 2026

Paramount was among the companies that persuaded the state to make film credits refundable starting last year. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

But state environmental officials persuaded them to drop their challenge. — Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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