PERSUASION Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'persuasion' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of persuasion are belief , conviction , opinion , sentiment , and view . While all these words mean "a judgment one holds as true," persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth. // was of the persuasion that everything changes

Q: When might 'belief' be a better fit than 'persuasion'?

In some situations, the words belief and persuasion are roughly equivalent. However, belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent. // a firm belief in her party's platform

Q: When could 'conviction' be used to replace 'persuasion'?

The meanings of conviction and persuasion largely overlap; however, conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief. // the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human

Q: When is 'opinion' a more appropriate choice than 'persuasion'?

The words opinion and persuasion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute. // each expert seemed to have a different opinion

Q: Where would 'sentiment' be a reasonable alternative to 'persuasion'?

The synonyms sentiment and persuasion are sometimes interchangeable, but sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings. // her feminist sentiments are well-known

Q: When can 'view' be used instead of 'persuasion'?

The words view and persuasion can be used in similar contexts, but view suggests a subjective opinion. // very assertive in stating his views

persuasion

noun

pər-ˈswā-zhən

Definition of persuasion next

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

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

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

fact
truth

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun persuasion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of persuasion are belief, conviction, opinion, sentiment, and view. While all these words mean "a judgment one holds as true," persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.

was of the persuasion that everything changes

When might belief be a better fit than persuasion?

In some situations, the words belief and persuasion are roughly equivalent. However, belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.

a firm belief in her party's platform

When could conviction be used to replace persuasion?

The meanings of conviction and persuasion largely overlap; however, conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.

the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human

When is opinion a more appropriate choice than persuasion?

The words opinion and persuasion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute.

each expert seemed to have a different opinion

Where would sentiment be a reasonable alternative to persuasion?

The synonyms sentiment and persuasion are sometimes interchangeable, but sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.

her feminist sentiments are well-known

When can view be used instead of persuasion?

The words view and persuasion can be used in similar contexts, but view suggests a subjective opinion.

very assertive in stating his views

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 Carter’s trust in his own ingenuity, persistence, and persuasion, as well as his trust in God, were brought into question. —

Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2024 Matching interests is closely related to pathos, the appeal to the emotions of the audience, and is one of the three essential elements of persuasion set down by Aristotle over two millennia ago. —

Jerry Weissman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 Students who rise to the highest level—given the title of Poets—join a secretive, dangerous society that can shape the world through their powers of persuasion. —

Tajja Isen, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024 Ironically, this is followed by Venus’ dazzling debut in your sign on Dec. 7, heightening your charisma and powers of persuasion while enlightening you with insight and perspective on your romantic expression. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for persuasion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persuasion

Noun

About the Author Yair Rosenberg Yair Rosenberg is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Deep Shtetl, about the intersection of politics, culture, and religion.

— Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
But Michael Moreland, professor of law and religion at Villanova University, said much of the court’s decision will turn on whether charter schools are considered public.

— Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025