persuasion

noun

per·​sua·​sion pər-ˈswā-zhən How to pronounce persuasion (audio)
1
a
: the act or process or an instance of persuading
b
: a persuading argument
c
: the ability to persuade : persuasiveness
2
: the condition of being persuaded
3
a
: an opinion held with complete assurance
b
: a system of religious beliefs
also : a group adhering to a particular system of beliefs
4
: kind, sort
Choose the Right Synonym for persuasion

opinion, view, belief, conviction, persuasion, sentiment mean a judgment one holds as true.

opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute.

each expert seemed to have a different opinion

view suggests a subjective opinion.

very assertive in stating his views

belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.

a firm belief in her party's platform

conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.

the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human

persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.

was of the persuasion that everything changes

sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.

her feminist sentiments are well-known

Examples of persuasion in a Sentence

It would take a lot of persuasion to get him to agree to such an offer. Most kids don't need much persuasion to use computers. people of all different persuasions
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After all, the month begins on quite a serendipitous note — Venus will conjunct Neptune in your sign, heightening everything from your romantic desires and ideals to your whimsical charm and powers of persuasion. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025 But the Gaza proposal should be seen in the context of a president who believes fervently in his own power of persuasion, who disdains traditional diplomacy, and whose Mideast envoy is a businessman with no experience in that field. Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2025 Negotiation is an art form in real estate transactions, requiring a blend of persuasion, rapport-building, and strategic concessions. Ali Hoss, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 Lawyers for the Biden administration have said there is a difference between legitimate persuasion and inappropriate coercion, and that communication channels between government and social media companies had to remain open for public safety reasons. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for persuasion 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English persuasioun, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French persuasion, from Latin persuasion-, persuasio, from persuadēre

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of persuasion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near persuasion

Cite this Entry

“Persuasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasion. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

persuasion

noun
per·​sua·​sion pər-ˈswā-zhən How to pronounce persuasion (audio)
1
: the act of persuading
2
: the power or ability to persuade
3
: the state of being persuaded
4
a
: a way of believing
especially : a system of religious beliefs
b
: a group having the same religious beliefs

Medical Definition

persuasion

noun
per·​sua·​sion pər-ˈswā-zhən How to pronounce persuasion (audio)
: a method of treating neuroses consisting essentially in rational conversation and reeducation

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