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.

I’m not here to persuade you to fly if it frightens you that much.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Paradoxically, the overwhelming show of force could persuade Iran to rush to build nuclear weapons, Singh said.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The Gulf state has begun a campaign to persuade the U.S. and allies in Europe and Asia to open the waterway by any means necessary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

“He could persuade the networks to take a risk on something risky.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

I’m not entirely sure that’s true, but I manage to persuade myself enough to approach the servants’ entrance and slip inside.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

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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