persuade

verb

per·​suade pər-ˈswād How to pronounce persuade (audio)
persuaded; persuading
Synonyms of persuade

transitive verb

1
: to move by argument, entreaty, or expostulation to a belief, position, or course of action
2
: to plead with : urge
persuader noun

Synonyms of persuade

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Examples of persuade in a Sentence

He persuaded his friend to go back to school. She couldn't be persuaded to go. He would not let himself be persuaded into buying the more expensive stereo. I am not easily persuaded. They persuaded us that we were wrong. He persuaded himself that he had made the right choice.
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.
Of course, in Florida, unions are still free to persuade employees to join their ranks voluntarily. — Mark Mix, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 The bilateral rift has not stopped state and local tourism officials and popular destinations like Graceland from trying to persuade Canadian visitors to return. — Rio Yamat, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026 Campion, meeting Krishnamurti the first time, was less persuaded of his gift. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026 And that proved to be the right decision, as the Canes once again persuaded an NFL Draft hopeful - this time Duke transfer Darian Mensah - to hop in the boat in Coral Gables. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persuade

Word History

Etymology

Latin persuadēre, from per- thoroughly + suadēre to advise, urge — more at sweet

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persuade was in the 15th century

Rhymes for persuade

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Browse Nearby Words

persuadable
persuade
persuader
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Cite this Entry

“Persuade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuade. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

persuade

verb
per·​suade pər-ˈswād How to pronounce persuade (audio)
persuaded; persuading
: to win over to a belief or to a course of action by argument or earnest request
persuadable
-ˈswād-ə-bəl
adjective
persuader noun
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