Meaning

The act of persuading, or trying to do so; the addressing of arguments to someone with the intention of changing their mind or convincing them of a certain point of view, course of action etc..

Definitions by Sense

1. The act of persuading, or trying to do so; the addressing of arguments to someone with the intention of changing their mind or convincing them of a certain point of view, course of action etc.
2. An argument or other statement intended to influence one's opinions or beliefs; a way of persuading someone.
3. A strongly held conviction, opinion or belief.
4. One's ability or power to influence someone's opinions or feelings; persuasiveness.
5. A specified religious adherence, a creed; any school of thought or ideology.
6. (by extension, often humorous) Another personal, animal or inanimate trait that is not (very) liable to be changed by persuasion, such as sex, gender, ethnicity, origin, profession or nature.

Example Sentences

With the base unleashed, the White House was unable to broker a compromise, either by persuasion or by pressure.

Not Hermes Prolocutor to the Gods, Could vſe perſwaſions more pathetical.

Sadie curses, weeps, then, infected by Mr. Hamilton's writhing persuasions, prays and becomes penitent.

It is his persuasion that abortion should never be condoned.

Social understanding and equality can neither be nurtured through fear, nor intimidation. Surely this goes for people of all sexual persuasions.

As a convert from the Baptist persuasion more than 40 years ago, I still feel like an outsider in the church despite the kindness and acceptance of Catholic friends.

To say that a woman is of the female persuasion was originally meant for a joke. As such it might pass — once. You might, indeed, refuse to smile; still, you wouldn't feel like invoking the law. But the constant and persistent use of this unfunny bit of fun has grown to be something of a public calamity. It is matter or congratulation, however, that such linguistic lese-majesty is far more common in England than in America.

AND turning for tor the moment from National to local affairs, we note there is a chimpanzee of the female persuasion out at Lincoln Park, of whom it is said that she can do everything but talk.

Word Forms

• persuasions
• perswasion

Synonyms for persuasion

Antonyms for persuasion

Related Words

When Should You Use Persuasion?

Use persuasion when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions