1
as in convincing
the act of reasoning or pleading with someone to accept a belief or course of action
the suffragists' gradual persuasion of the American people that voting rights had to be extended to women
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in religion
a body of beliefs and practices regarding the supernatural and the worship of one or more deities
debating theology with someone of a different persuasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in belief
an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge
he's of the persuasion that everything that happens in this world is part of a divine plan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in effectiveness
the capacity to persuade
there was an inherent persuasion in his sonorous voice that made listeners put aside any misgivings about his message
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of persuasion
But unlike the current coercive approach, a strategy of persuasion demands genuine engagement and collaborative risk assessment.
—
Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
Externally, some have mocked the joyous nature of Newcastle fans’ celebrations — failing to try to comprehend just why this means so much to those of a black-and-white-striped persuasion — and their post-victory team photos have also been derided.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
One of Cialdini’s principles for persuasion is reciprocity.
—Tendayi Viki, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
The decline and eventual abolition of slavery has been portrayed as the result of tireless activism and moral persuasion by early Quaker advocates like Benjamin Lay who considered slavery one of the worst sins.
—Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persuasion
Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
Externally, some have mocked the joyous nature of Newcastle fans’ celebrations — failing to try to comprehend just why this means so much to those of a black-and-white-striped persuasion — and their post-victory team photos have also been derided.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
One of Cialdini’s principles for persuasion is reciprocity.
—Tendayi Viki, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
The decline and eventual abolition of slavery has been portrayed as the result of tireless activism and moral persuasion by early Quaker advocates like Benjamin Lay who considered slavery one of the worst sins.
—Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persuasion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persuasion
Noun
-
His humble approach to people explains why many of us regardless of religion are saddened by the pope’s death.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Starting in the 1990s, the share of Americans who identified as Christian, or identified with any religion at all, began to drop precipitously.—
Christian Paz,
Vox,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But Sarah Harris, the Justice Department attorney who helped defend the parents’ position, said the county has put price on public education at the expense of parents forgoing their religious beliefs.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
For The 1st Time — At Lower Prices Champion their core beliefs Your target customers hold strong opinions about their world.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Out back, there’s a sleek new pool and detached garage, primed for conversion.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
18 Apr. 2025
-
This is especially painful for individuals who are approaching Medicare eligibility, as a conversion might result in substantially higher premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D prescription coverage.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Paul Smecker, 'The Boondock Saints' (1999) The cult hit contains one of Dafoe's most flamboyant efforts, complete with random river-dancing, a prostitute costume change and lyrical dancing during a gunfight.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
-
To outsiders, however, the scars signify something more sinister, reinforcing the group's reputation as a dangerous cult.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
After everyone weighs in, Conrad turns to Harry for his opinion.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The Guardian newspaper reports that the former Doctor Who star – who appeared in the 2005 film adaptation of Rowling’s book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – gave his opinion of Rowling in answer to questions posed by a group of neurodivergent young adults in ITV’s show The Assembly.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Trust in Trump’s economy slips, new poll finds Many Americans voted with their wallets front of mind during the 2024 presidential election.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The real culprit, in the West Wing’s mind, remains Powell.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
State troopers learned of the traffic stop at 6 p.m. when they were alerted by New York State Police and the Westchester County Real Time Crime Center that the driver of a black Acura TLX fled from authorities on Interstate 95 North in New York, according to Connecticut State Police.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
23 Apr. 2025
-
New York authorities identify possible Gilgo Beach victim known as 'Peaches' New York authorities on Wednesday announced the identity of a possible Gilgo Beach serial killer victim known as 'Peaches,' whose torso was found in a park in Lakeview, New York, in 1997.—
Audrey Conklin,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The rule includes everything from followers, likes, views, and comments.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Between both platforms, she’s gained 350,000 followers and garnered about 21 million views on videos over the last month, by her count.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Persuasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persuasion. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share