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 most persuasive part of his vision is not the software. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 Already, a lawsuit settlement with the estate has caused HBO to stop streaming the damning and persuasive Leaving Neverland. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026 Their actions are more persuasive. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026 In musical scenes, however, Jaafar delivers singing and dancing that is startlingly persuasive, passing through impersonation into something like channelling. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Persuasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasive. Accessed 2 May. 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

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