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.

Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop roleplaying game where players create fantasy characters and roll dice to determine whether their actions, like a sword attack or a persuasive argument, are successful against their foes.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

"But for people who are younger, who haven't been exposed to cynical marketing practices, these strategies may have more persuasive impacts."

From BBC • May 13, 2026

These tools make it easier to target individuals with highly personalized and persuasive messages at scale.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

Either way, the real magic was in his soft, persuasive screen presence and gentle wisdom.

From Salon • May 2, 2026

There is a plausible and quite persuasive answer to the second question, which will then lead us to a plausible but more speculative answer to the first.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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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