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 the end, Democratic voters appeared to side with Talarico’s argument that winning in Texas would require not only energizing the base but also persuading voters who have grown uncomfortable with Republican leadership. —Nik Popli, Time, 4 Mar. 2026

Barley persuaded Jones on the bow of his boat to fund Everglades advocacy, and Jones made good on the promise. —Michael Adno, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026

And at least one hospital association persuaded its state health leaders to alter who greenlights spending. —Arielle Zionts, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026

If the Angels could make one move to try to persuade fans better days are ahead, the suggestion here would be to sign Neto to a long-term contract. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 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