persuasive
adjective
per·sua·sive
pər-ˈswā-siv 
-ziv
: tending to persuade
persuasively
adverb
persuasiveness
noun
Synonyms
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
Bircher’s writing is at its most perceptive, and Da Silva’s and Roa’s performances at their most persuasive, when Gwen and Nick are competing over who can compile more definitions and usages of the word the fastest, and cite 10 examples for each.
—
Chris Klimek, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
Instead, choose powerful verbs that stand alone, carry emotion, and paint a clear picture, making your writing more memorable and persuasive.
—Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
That’s in keeping with Rodrigo’s enduring and persuasive narrative that girlhood is fraught.
—Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2024
Effectively selling a promising IT initiative to top management takes more than a product pitch—even the most persuasive one.
—Andrew Kahl, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Listen carefully and offer alternatives in a persuasive and complimentary manner to avoid a negative response.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024
Stanislavsky argued for a governing intellect in the rehearsal process, a person who would unify the acting style and oversee stage design to create a persuasive atmosphere.
—Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024
Search funds started out as a business school experiment four decades ago, but have gained popularity in recent years as persuasive newbies armed with M.B.A. degrees entice investors to make these niche bets with the promise of high returns.
—Nell Gallogly, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024
His case reminded me to always keep an open mind when making a diagnosis — even in the face of persuasive circumstantial evidence.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024
Chris Klimek, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
Instead, choose powerful verbs that stand alone, carry emotion, and paint a clear picture, making your writing more memorable and persuasive.
—Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
That’s in keeping with Rodrigo’s enduring and persuasive narrative that girlhood is fraught.
—Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2024
Effectively selling a promising IT initiative to top management takes more than a product pitch—even the most persuasive one.
—Andrew Kahl, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Listen carefully and offer alternatives in a persuasive and complimentary manner to avoid a negative response.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024
Stanislavsky argued for a governing intellect in the rehearsal process, a person who would unify the acting style and oversee stage design to create a persuasive atmosphere.
—Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024
Search funds started out as a business school experiment four decades ago, but have gained popularity in recent years as persuasive newbies armed with M.B.A. degrees entice investors to make these niche bets with the promise of high returns.
—Nell Gallogly, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024
His case reminded me to always keep an open mind when making a diagnosis — even in the face of persuasive circumstantial evidence.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'persuasive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Dictionary Entries Near persuasive
Cite this Entry
“Persuasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasive. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
persuasive
adjective
per·sua·sive
pər-ˈswā-siv
-ziv
: tending to persuade
a persuasive argument
persuasively
adverb
persuasiveness
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on persuasive
Nglish: Translation of persuasive for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of persuasive for Arabic Speakers
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