What does "persuasion" mean?
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.
Persuasion
/pɚˈsweɪʒən/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: 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.
- Grammar: persuasion is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adherents, affiliation, allurement, appeal.
- Useful contrasts: coercive enforcements, coercive pressure, physical force.
- Usage evidence: Finally, he gave in to my persuasion.
How to use "persuasion"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "persuasion" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "persuasion" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "persuasion" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "persuasion" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "persuasion" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adherents" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "persuasion", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 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. countable, uncountable
"With the base unleashed, the White House was unable to broker a compromise, either by persuasion or by pressure."
- 2 a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty wordnet
- 3 An argument or other statement intended to influence one's opinions or beliefs; a way of persuading someone. countable, uncountable
"Not Hermes Prolocutor to the Gods, Could vſe perſwaſions more pathetical."
- 4 the act of persuading (or attempting to persuade); communication intended to induce belief or action wordnet
- 5 An argument or other statement intended to influence one's opinions or beliefs; a way of persuading someone.; All activity attempting to influence or control others' behavior or profession of beliefs, from convincing to threatening, assault, or battery. countable, euphemistic, uncountable
"Some of the shopowners were resistant to the extortion, so the mafia did some persuasion."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 A strongly held conviction, opinion or belief. countable, uncountable
"It is his persuasion that abortion should never be condoned."
- 7 One's ability or power to influence someone's opinions or feelings; persuasiveness. countable, uncountable
- 8 A specified religious adherence, a creed; any school of thought or ideology. countable, uncountable
"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."
- 9 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. broadly, countable, humorous, often, uncountable
"1871 February 14, J.J., "More Solution", Latter-Day Saints Millennial Star, page 105. Let us pray that the next generation be all of the male persuasion."
Antonyms
coercive enforcementscoercive pressurephysical forcethreatening pressure
Example
"Finally, he gave in to my persuasion."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "persuasion"?
Common synonyms include: adherents, affiliation, allurement, appeal, argument, ascendancy.
How do you use "persuasion" in a sentence?
Finally, he gave in to my persuasion.
How do you pronounce "persuasion"?
Pronounced /pɚˈsweɪʒən/.
Etymology
From French persuasion and its source, Latin persuāsiō, from persuādēre, from suādēre (“to advise, recommend”).