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
Relevance
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
3
as in belief
an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge
he's of the persuasion that everything that happens in this world is part of a divine plan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in effectiveness
the capacity to persuade
there was an inherent persuasion in his sonorous voice that made listeners put aside any misgivings about his message
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of persuasion
The ideological persuasion of Wisconsin's highest court was at stake.
—
Anya Van Wagtendonk, NPR, 6 Mar. 2025
His persona was a paragon of the hale straight American white guy spotted in droves from Puget Sound to Indianapolis and on down into the panhandle of Florida, with a wife, two grown kids, and two mortgages, probably a Republican but open to persuasion.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
For me, the imperative to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who serve — regardless of political persuasion or personal identity — has always been crystal clear, and absolute.
—Johnny Weixler, The Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2025
Anyone, regardless of political persuasion, should take heart that the United States’ system of checks and balances can assuage uncertainty and ensure democracy’s functionality.
—Blake D. Morant, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persuasion
Anya Van Wagtendonk, NPR, 6 Mar. 2025
His persona was a paragon of the hale straight American white guy spotted in droves from Puget Sound to Indianapolis and on down into the panhandle of Florida, with a wife, two grown kids, and two mortgages, probably a Republican but open to persuasion.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
For me, the imperative to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who serve — regardless of political persuasion or personal identity — has always been crystal clear, and absolute.
—Johnny Weixler, The Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2025
Anyone, regardless of political persuasion, should take heart that the United States’ system of checks and balances can assuage uncertainty and ensure democracy’s functionality.
—Blake D. Morant, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for persuasion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persuasion
Noun
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The execution would also infringe on Hoffman's ability to practice his religion of Buddhism, including breathing and meditation exercises, his lawyers argued.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
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Apart from the seasonal reason, behind the annual joyous festivities from Rio de Janeiro to Venice and Dusseldorf to Barranquilla, are longtime traditions steeped in history and religion.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The actor recently appeared on The Pivot podcast and elaborated on his belief that male leaders are not only losing their authority but that young men will increasingly fail to learn from their example and exacerbate the problem exponentially.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
18 Mar. 2025
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Another false belief is that daring thieves stole the pieces on behalf of a wealthy mover and shaker who is holding the art somewhere in a private collection.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Some studies show a potential for a 30% to 40% increase in sales by effectively reaching the right audience, building brand awareness and driving customer engagement, which ultimately leads to higher conversion rates and customer retention.—
Joe Ariganello,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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The big picture: The Nickel Plate Trail, a 10-foot-wide asphalt path running northeast from 42nd Street near Fall Creek Parkway through Castleton to the Hamilton County line at 96th Street near Hague Road, is the latest rail-to-trail conversion.—
Arika Herron,
Axios,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Comments John Malkovich, in a very John Malkovich role, plays a twisted pop star in Opus, A24’s incisive horror film about the cult of toxic fandom.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
12 Mar. 2025
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The Friendly’s staff, now dressed in red cloaks, then summoned the demonic Lamashtu, smeared blood on Jenny, and awakened Mola Ram, the leader of the cult from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Bezos' decisions about the opinion pages led veteran journalists who have been a part of the Post for decades to cut ties, including Associate Editor David Maraniss and former Senior Managing Editor Cameron Barr.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
10 Mar. 2025
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Siena pollsters did not ask New Yorkers their opinion on Trump’s move to end the toll.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Also important to keep in mind: always file your extension electronically.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA TODAY,
18 Mar. 2025
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Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In 1992, Congress passed a law requiring the government to release all of its records about the assassination by October 2017, while giving the president the authority to withhold records for national security reasons.—
Stefan Becket,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2025
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The mother of one of three men who died from what authorities said was a combination of cocaine and fentanyl last year in Kansas City’s Northlandhas filed a lawsuit against two men accused of providing the drugs.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Mark Shanahan, an American politics expert who teaches at the University of Surrey in the U.K., took a similar view.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
9 Mar. 2025
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More Americans had a negative view of Musk at 54% than a positive view at 42%, according to a Pew Research Center poll conducted from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 – before his government overhaul escalated.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
9 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Persuasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persuasion. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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