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persuasion

noun
per·​sua·​sion | \ pər-ˈswā-zhən How to pronounce persuasion (audio) \

Definition of persuasion

1a : the act or process or an instance of persuading
b : a persuading argument
c : the ability to persuade : persuasiveness
2 : the condition of being persuaded
3a : an opinion held with complete assurance
b : a system of religious beliefs also : a group adhering to a particular system of beliefs
4 : kind, sort
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about persuasion

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Choose the Right Synonym for persuasion

opinion, view, belief, conviction, persuasion, sentiment mean a judgment one holds as true. opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute. each expert seemed to have a different opinion view suggests a subjective opinion. very assertive in stating his views belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent. a firm belief in her party's platform conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief. the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth. was of the persuasion that everything changes sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings. her feminist sentiments are well-known

Examples of persuasion in a Sentence

It would take a lot of persuasion to get him to agree to such an offer. Most kids don't need much persuasion to use computers. people of all different persuasions
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Recent Examples on the Web

 This is good news by all, whatever political persuasion. — Ephrat Livni, Quartz, "The latest US Supreme Court rulings are blowing up pundits’ predictions," 15 June 2019 The heart of the Spotlight team is Rezendes, a middle-aged reporter with a bowl haircut, and with no use for elites of any persuasion. — Alexander Nazaryan, Newsweek, "Review: 'Spotlight' Explores the Sins of the Fathers," 8 Oct. 2015 Thankfully, her powers of persuasion are well honed. — Samantha Swenson, ELLE Decor, "This Apartment by Nicole Fuller Will Make You Want to Cover Your Walls in Lacquered Panels," 19 July 2019 Bide your time and use logic and your powers of persuasion to talk someone around to a happy compromise. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, "Horoscope for July 13, 2019: Gemini, review your budget and bills; Scorpio, release what’s not needed," 13 July 2019 The method of cultivating this asset was neither gentle cajoling, nor persuasion, but torture, rape, and child trafficking. — Annalisa Merelli, Quartz, "Watch Ta-Nehisi Coates school Mitch McConnell on American history," 19 June 2019 Unfortunately, the Modi government seems to be of a different persuasion. — Rahul Menon, Quartz India, "The Modi government wants a $5 trillion economy by 2024, but has done little to back it," 8 July 2019 Those of the liberal persuasion are more likely than conservatives to want to go to the beach to relax, by about 8 points. — Dante Chinni, NBC News, "Liberals and Conservatives even vacation differently," 7 July 2019 More recently, the officials have used Pinnacle, Sporting KC's new state-of-the-art training center, as a tool for persuasion. — Sam Mcdowell, kansascity, "The 2026 World Cup is coming to the United States, and Kansas City might be next," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'persuasion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of persuasion

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for persuasion

Middle English persuasioun, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French persuasion, from Latin persuasion-, persuasio, from persuadēre

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More Definitions for persuasion

persuasion

noun
How to pronounce persuasion (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of persuasion

: the act of causing people to do or believe something : the act or activity of persuading people
formal : a particular type of belief or way of thinking

See the full definition for persuasion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

persuasion

noun
per·​sua·​sion | \ pər-ˈswā-zhən How to pronounce persuasion (audio) \

Kids Definition of persuasion

1 : the act of convincing
2 : the power to convince
3 : a way of believing : belief He and his wife are of the same persuasion.

persuasion

noun
per·​sua·​sion | \ pər-ˈswā-zhən How to pronounce persuasion (audio) \

Medical Definition of persuasion

: a method of treating neuroses consisting essentially in rational conversation and reeducation

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