suasion

noun

sua·​sion ˈswā-zhən How to pronounce suasion (audio)
: the act of influencing or persuading
suasive adjective
suasively adverb
suasiveness noun

Examples of suasion in a Sentence

a defense lawyer uses not only legal arguments but also moral suasion to appeal to a jury's sense of right and wrong
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 this newest cover-up, Clooney repeats his film’s original failing — its nostalgic salute to the power of electronic media suasion. Armond White, National Review, 30 Apr. 2025 Finally, the original Concert vision embraced formal deliberation and moral suasion as the key mechanism of collaborative foreign policy. Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 The 60th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson’s famous March 15, 1965, voting rights speech is an important reminder of the power of moral suasion when applied in support of basic democratic principles. Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 To that end, an objection by an athlete who is a class member and who stands to lose out from the settlement’s approval will likely have suasion. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suasion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin suasion-, suasio, from suadēre to urge, persuade — more at sweet

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suasion was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suasion. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

suasion

noun
sua·​sion ˈswā-zhən How to pronounce suasion (audio)
: the act of influencing or persuading
moral suasion
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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