persuasive
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of persuasive
First recorded in 1580–90, persuasive is from the Medieval Latin word persuāsīvus. See persuasible, -ive
Explanation
If you are persuasive, then you have a knack for getting people to do things. Your most persuasive friend might be able to talk you into riding in a hot air balloon despite your fear of heights. People can be persuasive by using emotion or logic. A persuasive encyclopedia salesman might lead you to believe you'll be a smarter person with your own complete set of reference books. Temptations can also be persuasive. If your mom offers you ten dollars to walk her dog, you might find her offer very persuasive. Persuasive can be tricky to spell — remember that the u sounds like a w.
Vocabulary lists containing persuasive
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 5
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lynn Vavreck, a political science and communications studies professor at UCLA, said the persuasive effects of Hilton’s AI videos are likely “limited” as they are most likely being watched by supporters.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026
What is most astonishing in Mr. Ackroyd’s brisk, persuasive account is the gulf—and, eventually, chasm—between the discipline and virtuosity of Auden’s verses and his increasingly dissolute and unhappy personal life.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
Serve as a snack, or use anywhere you’d use croutons, breadcrumbs or a very persuasive little cheese crisp.
From Salon ● Jul. 14, 2026
Unfortunately, the case for neither change is very persuasive, and the trustees are significantly more optimistic than the Congressional Budget Office or the Census Bureau.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 1, 2026
“By more persuasive people. Not a sweetheart like you. And they got nothing.”
From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
