Verbs for Persuasion · Verbs: Verbal Action

to make a person do something through reasoning or other methods

"She tried to persuade her friend."

"The salesman tried to persuade the customer to buy the more expensive model by highlighting its additional features."

to make someone do something specific, often by offering something attractive

"The sale enticed many shoppers to the store."

"The job offer included a high salary and a company car to entice the talented engineer to leave his current position."

to persuade someone to do something by being kind and gentle, especially when they may be unwilling

"She coaxed the cat out of the tree."

"The mother tried to coax her young child into eating his vegetables by promising him a small piece of chocolate cake for dessert afterward."

to trick someone into doing something through clever and cunning methods

"He inveigled her into investing in his scheme."

"The con artist managed to inveigle the elderly woman into giving him access to her bank account by pretending to be her grandson."

to persuade someone to do something through insincere praises, promises, etc. often in a persistent manner

"He cajoled his friend into helping him."

"The used car salesman tried to cajole me into buying an extended warranty but I knew it was a complete waste of money."

to trick someone into doing something by offering them a reward or something interesting

"The bait lured the fish to the hook."

"The fisherman used a shiny piece of metal to lure the hungry fish toward his hook hidden under the water."

to interest and draw someone or something toward oneself through specific features or qualities

"Sweet smells attract bees and wasps."

"The bright colorful flowers are designed to attract bees and other important pollinating insects to the garden."

to encourage a customer to buy a more expensive or upgraded version of a product or service, or to add additional items to their purchase

"The cashier tried to upsell the fries."

"The cashier tried to upsell customers by offering them larger portions for a small additional fee."

to make someone do something by using force, influence, or other methods

"Do not pressure your friends into drinking."

"Her parents tried to pressure her into studying medicine but she wanted to be an artist."

to set a particular habit, belief, attitude, etc. in someone in a lasting manner

"These habits ingrain over time."

"The habit of brushing your teeth twice daily should be ingrained from a young age."

to teach an idea, belief, skill, etc. through constant repetition

"Teachers inculcate good study habits."

"Schools try to inculcate good study habits in students by teaching them effective time management and organizational skills."

to control someone's thoughts, actions, or feelings and make them believe or do certain things through tricks or force

"The cult tried to brainwash its members."

"The cult leader tried to brainwash his followers by isolating them from their families and controlling all information they received."

to advise someone to take a course of action

"The therapist counsels couples in crisis."

"The school counselor counsels students who are struggling with academic pressure or personal problems at home."

to strongly and enthusiastically encourage someone who is doing something

"The coach exhorted his team to victory."

"The coach exhorted his players to give their best effort during the final minutes of the championship game that they were losing."

to gradually establish an idea, feeling, etc. in someone's mind

"Good teachers instill a love of learning."

"The father tried to instill a love of reading in his children by taking them to the library every single week."

to make someone do something using reasoning, arguments, etc.

"I need to convince my parents."

"It took hours of discussion to convince the committee that the new proposal was better than the original plan."

to persuade someone or something to agree to what one wants, often by doing things they like

"He got around the rules."

"It is easy to get around the city using the efficient public transportation system."

to influence someone to do something particular

"The medicine may induce drowsiness."

"The medication may induce drowsiness so patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking it."

to suggest a specific course of action

"I recommend this book."

"The doctor will recommend a specific treatment plan based on your symptoms."

to mention an idea, proposition, plan, etc. for further consideration or possible action

"I suggest eating at that restaurant."

"The doctor suggested that I exercise more regularly to improve my cardiovascular health and reduce stress."

to persuade someone to give or approve something

"He will procure it."

"The diplomat worked diligently to procure the necessary approvals for the international treaty."

to make someone do something that seems interesting, despite them knowing it might be wrong or not good for them

"The dessert might tempt the dieter."

"The delicious smell of freshly baked bread tempted the dieter to break his strict eating plan."

to force someone to do something, particularly against their will

"Don't push me."

"The manager had to push his team to meet the challenging deadline with limited resources."

to give expert advice to help people or organizations make better decisions

"Consult the expert."

"The committee decided to consult with a legal expert before proceeding further."

to provide someone with suggestion or guidance regarding a specific situation

"I advise you to study more."

"I would advise you to save some money each month because unexpected expenses can arise at any time."

to strongly advise a person to take a particular action

"The teacher admonished the noisy student."

"The teacher had to admonish the noisy student for disrupting the class repeatedly."