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

• argue
• bring
• bring around
• convert
• convince
• gain
• get
• induce
• move
• prevail (on or upon)
• satisfy
• talk (into)
• win (over)

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 other judicial districts, plaintiffs have persuaded courts to dismiss bankruptcy cases by showing that the companies weren’t in financial distress, records show. —Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2024

The killing of her second son has persuaded Roberts to move. —Barry Paddock, New York Daily News, 14 July 2024

The Third Circuit acknowledged the Berger and Dawson holdings, but was not persuaded by them. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 July 2024

Trump sought to persuade lawmakers and judges to overturn the battleground state's election result. —Rachel Hale, Journal Sentinel, 11 July 2024

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

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