persuasive

adjective

per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv How to pronounce persuasive (audio)
-ziv
: tending to persuade
persuasively adverb
persuasiveness noun

Examples of persuasive in a Sentence

We weren't shown any persuasive evidence that he had committed the crime. a persuasive argument for increasing funding of the city's library system
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In corporate settings, authenticity often proves more persuasive than polish. Adrian Dearnell, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 You’re known to be a very persistent and persuasive person. Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025 Topics range widely, and can be informative or persuasive in nature. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2025 This is a pioneering use of old, ephemeral tech to invent new, eternal cinema, that is so persuasive of its own whimsical worldview that to emerge 186 minutes later is to feel slightly attacked by the garish, hi-def sharpness of reality, and to wonder where all the wonder has gone. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for persuasive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of persuasive was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Persuasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasive. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

persuasive

adjective
per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv How to pronounce persuasive (audio)
-ziv
: tending to persuade
a persuasive argument
persuasively adverb
persuasiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on persuasive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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