persuasive

[per-swey-siv, -ziv]

adjective

1. able, fitted, or intended to persuade.

   a very persuasive argument.

   Synonyms: forceful, compelling, convincing

noun

1. something that persuades; inducement.

persuasive

/ pəˈsweɪsɪv /

adjective

1. having the power or ability to persuade; tending to persuade

   a persuasive salesman

Other Word Forms

• persuasively adverb
• persuasiveness noun
• nonpersuasive adjective
• nonpersuasively adverb
• nonpersuasiveness noun
• prepersuasive adjective
• unpersuasive adjective
• unpersuasively adverb
• unpersuasiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of persuasive¹

First recorded in 1580–90, persuasive is from the Medieval Latin word persuāsīvus. See persuasible, -ive

Example Sentences

Rhythmically mesmerizing and harmonically alluring, Minimalism proved the most persuasive new musical method of the late 20th century.

From Los Angeles Times

But instead, the judge said, she had been "composed enough to tell persuasive and cohesive lies about what had happened".

From BBC

Mr Coad said Cardi B may well have been encouraged by her lawyers to use "all of her charm and persuasive power" in the witness box.

From BBC

Condon sought someone who could be persuasive within the gritty realism of a prison movie, while also credibly being a larger-than-life Hollywood musical star.

From Los Angeles Times

Stephen tucked in a couple of bread-and-butter pickles for good measure, a kind of weeknight Cuban, improvised but persuasive.

From Salon

Related Words

• alluring 
• cogent 
• compelling 
• conclusive 
• convincing 
• credible 
• effective 
• eloquent 
• energetic 
• forceful 
• impressive 
• influential 
• inspiring www.thesaurus.com
• logical 
• plausible 
• potent 
• powerful 
• valid