1
as in convincing
the act of reasoning or pleading with someone to accept a belief or course of action
the suffragists' gradual persuasion of the American people that voting rights had to be extended to women
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in religion
a body of beliefs and practices regarding the supernatural and the worship of one or more deities
debating theology with someone of a different persuasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in belief
an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge
he's of the persuasion that everything that happens in this world is part of a divine plan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in effectiveness
the capacity to persuade
there was an inherent persuasion in his sonorous voice that made listeners put aside any misgivings about his message
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of persuasion
Most people get information about politics and current events not from newspapers but from social media, which discourages engagement with human beings of different political persuasions.
—
Jeffrey Rosen,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
Whether owners can get a cap — either by persuasion through the fall and winter, or more likely by canceling games next spring so players go unpaid — remains to be seen.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Power of persuasion Camacho understands that.
—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
27 May 2026
Research says that persuasion is possible in other ways.
—
Lisa Pavia-Higel,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for persuasion
Jeffrey Rosen,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
Whether owners can get a cap — either by persuasion through the fall and winter, or more likely by canceling games next spring so players go unpaid — remains to be seen.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Power of persuasion Camacho understands that.
—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
27 May 2026
Research says that persuasion is possible in other ways.
—
Lisa Pavia-Higel,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for persuasion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persuasion
Noun
-
Despite the challenges, several customers praised branch employees for helping them through the conversion.
-
Certain models of handguns can allow semi-automatic guns to fire without repeatedly pulling the trigger, if an accessory called a machine gun conversion device is installed.
Noun
-
So, when national identity becomes intertwined with politics, religion, race, culture, or geography, criticism of the nation can feel less like a disagreement about policy and more like a challenge to one's identity.
-
For those who prefer nonfiction, history is the top choice (the clear favorite among men), while women are more divided between books about religions, philosophy, or spirituality and books about self-help and wellness.
Noun
-
Contrary to popular belief, the central bank has little influence over home loan rates.
-
Most people who hold luxury beliefs are sincere.
Noun
-
As electronic warfare capabilities continue to proliferate, maintaining navigation and mission effectiveness without constant access to satellite signals has become increasingly important.
-
There may be an issue with how the pills dissolve, which could impact their effectiveness.
Noun
-
The 70-year-old was explaining how the revival came about through years-long persuading of Emmy-winning creator and executive producer Linwood Boomer.
-
Each distortion is what happens when the body does the persuading, and the ideas are just the wardrobe.
Noun
-
The sprawling gas stations have a cult-like following centered on their preternaturally clean restrooms and unique culinary offerings.
-
Dream Me a Dream serves as a coda to Dance of Love, the 2024 album that introduced cult singer/songwriter Tucker Zimmerman to a wider audience thanks to an assist from Big Thief, who served as his supporting band.
Noun
-
Which apparently disqualifies them from having an opinion about a movie or casting decision.
-
Aquarius January 20 – February 18 When opinions clash, lead with practical care.
Noun
-
But his dictionary, with its conclusiveness, was a huge publishing success.
Cite this Entry
“Persuasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persuasion. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
