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.

But according to airline bosses, some fares in Europe have actually come down because carriers have been introducing discounts in an effort to persuade reluctant travellers to fly.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

So they tried to persuade West to abandon her plan, and adopt their own instead – and they see her statement today as a big win for them.

From BBC • May 11, 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

Can the president persuade Xi Jinping free Jimmy Lai from a Chinese prison?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

He had had a very hard time indeed to persuade the King, but he had spared no pains.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

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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