Definitions

persuasive

[per-swey-siv, -ziv] / pərˈsweɪ sɪv, -zɪv /

ADJECTIVE

effective, influential

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alluring cogent compelling conclusive convincing credible effective eloquent energetic forceful impressive influential inspiring logical plausible potent powerful valid

WEAK

actuating convictive effectual efficacious efficient enticing forcible impelling inducing inveigling luring moving pointed seductive slick smooth soft sell sound stimulating stringent strong swaying telling touching unctuous weighty wheedling winning

Antonyms

STRONGEST

implausible impotent improbable incapable incredible ineffective invalid unbelievable unlikely unreasonable weak

WEAK

dampening discouraging disheartening dissuasive ineffectual

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.

Yes, chatbots are unusually persuasive, and writers pick up model biases without even knowing it, but the baseline isn’t some platonic ideal of a perfectly objective journalist.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

The indictment says Liaw advised his associates to craft an email with “strong and persuasive reasons to convince” the compliance department.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Although they can generate fluent and persuasive responses, they often struggle to reason through complicated questions.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

What do arguments in favor of mass demolition miss, and why are they persuasive anyway?

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

“By more persuasive people. Not a sweetheart like you. And they got nothing.”

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Vocabulary lists containing persuasive

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 5

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

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