persuasive

adjective

per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv 

-ziv

: tending to persuade

persuasively adverb

persuasiveness noun

Synonyms of persuasive

• compelling
• convincing
• conclusive
• strong

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

Cusick is a persuasive guy and a genuine Chicagoan, a native South Sider who grew up at 85th Place and California Avenue. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

But technicalities matter in law, and the judges who have reviewed the litigation found Williamson’s arguments more persuasive, because the contract didn’t contain the warning. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Nov. 2026

There are absolutely areas that need improvement, but the numbers make for a persuasive story. — Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026

The state agency that handles appeals did not find those arguments persuasive. — Lizz Giordano, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for persuasive

• abrasive
• invasive
• pervasive
• noninvasive
• unpersuasive

Kids Definition

persuasive

adjective

per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv 

-ziv

: tending to persuade

a persuasive argument

persuasively adverb

persuasiveness noun