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.

A small study by researchers at the University of Dundee in 2022, external found that roughly one in six European fertility specialists said they regularly struggled to persuade men to take a sperm test.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

One of Grossi’s key goals in attending the negotiations was to persuade Iran to allow inspectors back to the damaged sites, according to people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

It had taken years to persuade consumers to switch to Tide pods.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

Defense analysts say similar agreements could persuade other countries to choose the Mogami to support their own shipbuilding industries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

“Guess there’s only one way to persuade you.”

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

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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