persuasive

adjective

per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv How to pronounce persuasive (audio)
-ziv
Synonyms of persuasivenext
: 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.
The technology will only get more polished, the mannerisms more finely calibrated, the over-all effect more persuasive. Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026 One commentary was a classic example of how to construct a persuasive essay. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026 Since then, and in the wake of a 2019 state transparency law, California police agencies have increasingly turned to public relations firms to produce slick, persuasive videos explaining police shootings. Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026 And in the smart glasses boom, the most persuasive tools aren’t about perfect sight but day-to-day independence. Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 9 Jan. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Persuasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasive. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!