persuasive

adjective

per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv 

-ziv

: tending to persuade

persuasively adverb

persuasiveness noun

Synonyms

• cogent
• compelling
• conclusive
• convincing
• decisive
• effective
• forceful
• satisfying
• strong
• telling

Examples of persuasive in a Sentence

We weren't shown any persuasive evidence that he had committed the crime.

a persuasive argument for increasing funding of the city's library system

Recent Examples on the Web

Zac Efron plays the father of a little girl who can set things on fire with her mind, and the casting is more convincing as a career move than as the right choice for the movie: Efron is just too callow to be persuasive. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025

Crafting a memorable presentation requires you to distill complex ideas into simple, persuasive narratives—a skill that translates directly to managing teams and communicating with stakeholders. —Federico Sendra, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Bureaucracies naturally seek self-perpetuation, but strategic realities provide persuasive justification. —Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025

How persuasive is her argument that true crime is harmful to victims and their families? —The Learning Network, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for persuasive

• abrasive
• invasive
• pervasive
• noninvasive
• unpersuasive

Kids Definition

persuasive

adjective

per·​sua·​sive pər-ˈswā-siv 

-ziv

: tending to persuade

a persuasive argument

persuasively adverb

persuasiveness noun