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.

However, Smith said she is leading the charge to get a pipeline built in the hope that a deal with Ottawa would persuade private-sector investors to step up and take over.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

As a result, users may not need to seek out fringe online communities or persuade others to validate their ideas.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

During the ceremony, host Greg Davies tried to persuade veteran BBC News presenter Kirsty Wark - the winner of last year's Bafta fellowship - to help present the next award, but she wasn't keen.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

No inducement, it seems, can get him to do this, but Sophocles finds a way to persuade him to go.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

He’d been lucky Frabwick was easy to persuade.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

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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