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

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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

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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 No matter what your political persuasion, the sudden policy reversals are bound to impact market prices and your portfolio. Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025 And, in her view, the LGBTQ coalition coasted instead of carrying on the work of public persuasion. Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025 Sell with strength of persuasion and the basics of positioning Selling is persuading. George Bradt, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Shapero described a vision of recruiting where AI handles the repetitive work—generating job specs, matching candidate skills, screening for eligibility—and recruiters focus on the human elements: persuasion, relationship-building, and judgment. Massimo Marioni, Fortune, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for persuasion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persuasion
Noun
  • Lucero claims that the district violated his First Amendment rights to freedom of religion and free speech by restricting his ability to preach and teach religion at school.
    Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • Vonnegut’s signature irreverence gives us the Caribbean island nation of San Lorenzo as the setting of this 1963 satire of science, religion, American foreign policy and the Atomic Age.
    Dan Fesperman July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Some examples might include: Faith – Avoiding investments in companies that conflict with your beliefs.
    James Brewer, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • IndieWire noted that Offerman's prior roles include conservative and right-wing types, a contrast to his personal progressive beliefs.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Everton sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, indicated a fee in the region of €9million (£7.87m, $10.6m at current conversion rates) was being discussed for Aznou.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • Her character survived a group seizure, being sent to a gay conversion camp, blackmail from one of her best friends (Lili Reinhart's Betty Cooper), and a full season in which she was trapped in a cult.
    Ryan Coleman Updated, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Country Fried Steak has its own cult following, and one bite might just convince you of the reason.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 17 July 2025
  • The fast-casual Mexican food chain, which is said to have something of a cult following in Australia, is the brainchild of America cofounders Steven Marks and Robert Hazan.
    Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • This could have swayed people on social media, but that doesn’t normally impact fighter’s opinions.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • Another envelope would follow with the state’s response, then another with the court’s opinion.
    Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Moreover, Kremlin insiders suspect that the 50-day window before any new US sanctions hit is plenty of time for their military push in Ukraine to pay off – or, failing that, for a notoriously changeable President Trump to change his mind on Russia once again.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • First, keep in mind that AGI and ASI will have been data trained by the vast stores of human writing.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Bell called on two friends and armed himself with an AK-47 rifle, authorities said.
    David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • Judge Sean Jordan of the US District Court of Texas’ Eastern District found that the rule exceeded the bureau’s authority under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, agreeing with the arguments of two industry associations.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The reopening has created a buzz among locals and visitors alike, offering a unique way to cool off in the city—with Eiffel Tower views included.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • An aerial view shows homes burned in the Eaton Fire on February 05, 2025, in Altadena, California.
    Umair Irfan, Wired News, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Persuasion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persuasion. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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