persuasive

adjective

per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv 

-ziv

: tending to persuade

persuasively adverb

persuasiveness noun

Synonyms

• cogent
• compelling
• conclusive
• convincing
• decisive
• effective
• forceful
• satisfying
• strong
• telling

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

The Apple study's revelation that AI reasoning models fail when faced with true complexity mirrors how overconfident individuals often struggle with genuinely challenging problems while maintaining their persuasive veneer. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

She is gifted at translating each client’s experience into a persuasive strategy. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 10 June 2025

Take a moment to discuss advertisers’ motives and how to distinguish impartial from persuasive content. —Evan Orticio, Scientific American, 2 June 2025

But for juror Randy Edwards, the state's depiction of Chandler's behavior was persuasive evidence. —Ruth Chenetz, CBS News, 31 May 2025

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