1
as in convincing
the act of reasoning or pleading with someone to accept a belief or course of action the suffragists' gradual persuasion of the American people that voting rights had to be extended to women

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in religion
a body of beliefs and practices regarding the supernatural and the worship of one or more deities debating theology with someone of a different persuasion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun persuasion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of persuasion are belief, conviction, opinion, sentiment, and view. While all these words mean "a judgment one holds as true," persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth.

was of the persuasion that everything changes

When might belief be a better fit than persuasion?

In some situations, the words belief and persuasion are roughly equivalent. However, belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent.

a firm belief in her party's platform

When could conviction be used to replace persuasion?

The meanings of conviction and persuasion largely overlap; however, conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief.

the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human

When is opinion a more appropriate choice than persuasion?

The words opinion and persuasion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute.

each expert seemed to have a different opinion

Where would sentiment be a reasonable alternative to persuasion?

The synonyms sentiment and persuasion are sometimes interchangeable, but sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings.

her feminist sentiments are well-known

When can view be used instead of persuasion?

The words view and persuasion can be used in similar contexts, but view suggests a subjective opinion.

very assertive in stating his views

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of persuasion Harnessing her previous courtroom experience, Turner writes with persuasion, every word targeted at the audience. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 17 May 2025 Soft power is the ability of a country to influence other countries through persuasion and cooperation rather than military or economic force. Jared Gans, The Hill, 8 May 2025 When people see their identity or aspirations reflected in your brand, persuasion becomes connection. Maria Alonso, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 After some persuasion, owners agreed to an assessment to replace the entire system. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for persuasion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persuasion
Noun
  • They’re thought to be a divination guide that offers rare insights into ancient Chinese philosophy and religion.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
  • My follow up was meant to use sarcasm to make a serious point: The First Amendment provisions on religious liberty were written by Madison to prohibit state encroachment on religion, which is exactly what this bill does.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • But that week, belief felt like the scarcest resource of all.
    Curt Steinhorst, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • With antisemitic beliefs already at their highest levels in decades, and with Jewish communities around the world facing a tsunami of antisemitic harassment and vandalism, especially post-Oct. 7, his comments about Jews and praise for Hitler are reaching a younger, more susceptible audience.
    Jonathan A. Greenblatt, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The Dolphins were one of the NFL’s best third-down defense (35.9% conversion rate), finishing sixth in 2024, and was the fourth best red-zone defense, and ranked second in goal-to-go defense.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
  • But conversion to paid plans required them to pull back and limit things like message history and integrations.
    Vidhi Agrawal, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Highly thought-of items tend to include cult collections from iconic designers, at top luxury brands - Hedi Slimane, Marc Jacobs, Martin Margiela, or Jil Sander, with prices that can be close to original prices or slightly higher.
    Benjamin Voyer, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Simone is the dutiful personal assistant for an ultra-wealthy socialite named Michaela (Julianne Moore), whom Devon thinks might also be a murderous cult leader.
    William Earl, Variety, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • In my opinion, these are frivolous objections but all would have been made.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 21 May 2025
  • In my opinion, using AI agents to rethink the creation, delivery and scaling of value is more effective than simply viewing them as efficiency tools.
    Umair Javed, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Theme parks, movies and cars are on his mind in and out of the office.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
  • The best way to overcome a year of disappointment is, of course, to challenge again, which is precisely the thought on Arteta’s mind.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Speaking at a press briefing in 2022, Chen Lei, an inspector from Xinjiang’s Rural Revitalization Bureau, indicated that the authorities aimed to increase the number of workers moved to other parts of China by a third in 2023 to more than 38,000, according to a government report posted online.
    David Pierson, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • The motive for the attacks was not disclosed by authorities.
    Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, explore rooms restored to reflect 19th-century lighthouse life, and unwind with their picnic in a shaded pavilion with unbeatable views.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
  • Seagulls cruise over fishing boats, and there are delicious water front views of distant mainland mountains.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Persuasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persuasion. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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