persuade

verb

per·​suade pər-ˈswād 
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.
Nia persuades Tefa to join her in smuggling cellphones into the regional prison. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026 If a political organization uses AI to persuade voters, this is human political manipulation mediated by AI. — Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 The group was enlisting women to persuade families to get vaccinated against polio. — Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026 Despite its globe-trotting kidnapping plot, much of the movie’s tension comes down to people in rooms trying to persuade an old man to part with his money. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Persuade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuade. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

persuade

verb
per·​suade pər-ˈswād 
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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