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
  • Hundreds of thousands, by some estimates, embraced the religion.
    Foster Klug, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
  • Hajj, the world’s largest annual pilgrimage, begins today in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as over 1 million Muslims travel to the religion's holiest city.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • But that week, belief felt like the scarcest resource of all.
    Curt Steinhorst, Forbes.com, 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
  • This cruelty is echoed and magnified in Trump’s movement, which increasingly resembles an authoritarian cult more than a political party.
    Tom Debley, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
  • So as Will was entering this case that involved a cult, he gets caught undercover and in that process he gets drugged.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • While feelings of self-doubt might arise, don’t let others’ opinions deter you from pursuing your goals.
    Essence, Essence, 2 June 2025
  • While the advice from Google is certainly not to be ignored by users, in my never humble opinion, Walsh does not agree.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • The thought of sitting out spring practices never crossed star running back Kyren Williams’ mind, despite an ongoing contract negotiation between his representatives and the Los Angeles Rams.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Geneva, Switzerland Reuters — A huge chunk of a glacier in the Swiss Alps broke off on Wednesday afternoon, causing a deluge of ice, mud and rock to bury part of a mountain village evacuated earlier this month due to the risk of a rockslide, authorities said.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • The coastal California mansion of Beanie Babies billionaire Ty Warner was the scene of a violent break-in that left a woman in a coma, authorities say.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Seagulls cruise over fishing boats, and there are delicious water front views of distant mainland mountains.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Scenic hiking trails weave through quiet valleys, offering breathtaking views of wildlife in their natural habitat.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 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 7 Jun. 2025.

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