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

This often means that those who are not persuaded by its teachings can be fined, jailed, even killed. — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Ellison, after all, had to persuade Shari Redstone to part with her family’s prize. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026

The prospect of holding dry, cracked hands after dinner might persuade him that moisturizing under the table is the lesser offense. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 4 July 2026

The actress persuaded him to return to Australia and helped guide him into the Australian film industry. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 3 July 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