1
a : the act or process or an instance of persuading b: a persuading argument
3
a: an opinion held with complete assurance
b : a system of religious beliefsalso : a group adhering to a particular system of beliefs
Choose the Right Synonym for persuasion
each expert seemed to have a different opinion
view suggests a subjective opinion.
very assertive in stating his views
belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.
a firm belief in her party's platform
conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.
the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human
persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.
was of the persuasion that everything changes
sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.
her feminist sentiments are well-known
Examples of persuasion in a SentenceIt would take a lot of persuasion to get him to agree to such an offer. Most kids don't need much persuasion to use computers. people of all different persuasions
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. Pressure, not just words or attempts at persuasion, must compel Russia to cease fire and end the war. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 Pike Abilities Masha clearly has powers of persuasion bordering on the supernatural. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2025 However, at least from a Liverpool persuasion, its remaining minutes on the field mean something. —Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 That attempt at persuasion included the MLB Players Association stepping in and attempting to sway Merrill to not sign the nine-year deal that guarantees him $135 million and will likely end up being worth $165 million or more over the next decade. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for persuasion Word HistoryEtymology
Middle English persuasioun, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French persuasion, from Latin persuasion-, persuasio, from persuadēre
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of persuasion was in the 14th century Cite this Entry“Persuasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasion. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
More from Merriam-Webster on persuasion Last Updated: 7 May 2025 - Updated example sentencesLove words? Need even more definitions?
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