persuasive

[per-swey-siv, -ziv]

adjective

1. able, fitted, or intended to persuade.

   a very persuasive argument.

   Synonyms: forceful, compelling, convincing

noun

1. something that persuades; inducement.

persuasive

/ pəˈsweɪsɪv /

adjective

1. having the power or ability to persuade; tending to persuade

   a persuasive salesman

Other Word Forms

• persuasively adverb
• persuasiveness noun
• nonpersuasive adjective
• nonpersuasively adverb
• nonpersuasiveness noun
• prepersuasive adjective
• unpersuasive adjective
• unpersuasively adverb
• unpersuasiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of persuasive¹

First recorded in 1580–90, persuasive is from the Medieval Latin word persuāsīvus. See persuasible, -ive

Example Sentences

The evidence for both near-death experiences and childhood memories of previous lives is persuasive in terms of the credibility of the sources and verified facts, but much of it is strongly suggestive instead of dispositive.

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And it included dicta — a nonbinding observation that can be cited as a “persuasive authority” in future litigation — that planted the seeds for preclearance’s demise.

Read more on Salon

The author acknowledges the risk of anthropomorphizing but finds the totality of evidence persuasive.

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Grappling with the counterclaims would have made their assertions about the food environment more persuasive.

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He partnered with attorney Judson Graves, 77, known for his persuasive court performance, to create online courses to teach lawyers how to be entertaining as well as effective.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• alluring 
• cogent 
• compelling 
• conclusive 
• convincing 
• credible 
• effective 
• eloquent 
• energetic 
• forceful 
• impressive 
• influential 
• inspiring www.thesaurus.com
• logical 
• plausible 
• potent 
• powerful 
• valid