Definitions

persuade

[per-sweyd] / pərˈsweɪd /

VERB

cause to believe; convince to do

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advise assure cajole coax enlist entice exhort get impress incline induce influence prompt satisfy sway urge woo

STRONG

actuate affect allure blandish brainwash convert counsel draw impel incite inveigle lead move propagandize proselytize reason seduce sell soft sell stroke touch wheedle

WEAK

argue into bring around bring to senses gain confidence of lead to believe lead to do prevail upon proselyte talk into turn on to wear down win argument win over work over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

discourage dissuade fail halt prevent repel

STRONG

delay deter disenchant remain stay stop turn off

WEAK

hinder repress suppress

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Did Grainge try to persuade the band to stay?

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Thomas wanted the court to hear them but failed to persuade his colleagues to agree.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

Supporters hope that getting governments behind the technology could finally persuade investors to bet on it.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

Warsh would need to persuade his colleagues at the Fed to lay off the reins, but a growing group of Fed officials has become more anxious about rising prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Mutti and I were trying to help him up, doing all we could to persuade him that we had to get back to the shelter.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Vocabulary lists containing persuade

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Argumentative Writing

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Argumentative Writing, List 1

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