persuasion

noun

per·​sua·​sion pər-ˈswā-zhən 

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

Synonyms

• conversion
• convincing
• inducement
• inducing
• persuading
• suasion

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

His persona was a paragon of the hale straight American white guy spotted in droves from Puget Sound to Indianapolis and on down into the panhandle of Florida, with a wife, two grown kids, and two mortgages, probably a Republican but open to persuasion. —Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025

For me, the imperative to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who serve — regardless of political persuasion or personal identity — has always been crystal clear, and absolute. —Johnny Weixler, The Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2025

Anyone, regardless of political persuasion, should take heart that the United States’ system of checks and balances can assuage uncertainty and ensure democracy’s functionality. —Blake D. Morant, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

But Volpe is talking to a native audience and appears to prioritise persuasion over particularly strong feeling. —Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025

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

Phrases Containing persuasion

• power(s) of persuasion

Rhymes for persuasion

• abrasion
• caucasian
• equation
• eurasian
• evasion
• invasion
• occasion
• asian
• suasion
• athanasian

Kids Definition

persuasion

noun

per·​sua·​sion pər-ˈswā-zhən 

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 

: a method of treating neuroses consisting essentially in rational conversation and reeducation