cogent

adjective

co·​gent ˈkō-jənt 

1

a

: appealing forcibly to the mind or reason : convincing

cogent evidence

b

: pertinent, relevant

a cogent analysis

2

: having power to compel or constrain

cogent forces

cogently adverb

Did you know?

A cogent argument is one that really drives its point home because it is clear, coherent, and readily understandable, and perhaps also because of the etymological history of cogent. Cogent comes from the Latin verb cogere, meaning “to drive or force together.” Something described as cogent fuses thoughts and ideas into a meaningful whole that others can readily grasp and accept. A cogent explanation is a convincing one, and cogent analysis has us nodding along because it is clear and pertinent. Cogere was formed in Latin by combining the prefix co- with the verb agere, “to drive, lead, or act,” a root which is also the source of our familiar noun agent. Handily enough, one definition of agent is “a means or instrument by which a guiding intelligence achieves a result.” It follows logically then that cogency is often a worthwhile agent, indeed.

Synonyms

• compelling
• conclusive
• convincing
• decisive
• effective
• forceful
• persuasive
• satisfying
• strong
• telling

Choose the Right Synonym for cogent

valid, sound, cogent, convincing, telling mean having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance.

valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent

a valid marriage

sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

Examples of cogent in a Sentence

… Honeyboy Edwards provides a cogent analysis of the shift within the blues over the years … —David Hajdu, Mother Jones, September/October 2003

Your article provides cogent reading. —Mario Cuomo, letter U.S. News & World Report,  23 Mar. 1992

Your arguments, whether or not one agrees with them, are generally cogent, and at times elegantly expressed. —Willard R. Espy, letter Wall Street Journal,  24 Apr. 1990

The author … makes a cogent and finely nuanced case for the wisdom—indeed, the necessity of this vision. —Marian Sandmaier, New York Times Book Review, 8 Feb. 1987

the results of the DNA fingerprinting were the most cogent evidence for acquittal

Recent Examples on the Web

Many memoirists, for cogent reasons, stick to a steady chronological tread, from childhood to a retrospective calm, yet is that not a reassuring lie? —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025

The raw footage shows she was quoted accurately, although CBS had edited her response by using her most cogent sentence. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025

Meanwhile, the White House continues to put out mixed messages on the tariffs, when the very least voters deserve is a cogent explanation of the strategy behind the policy. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025

Indeed, topics — some cogent, some not — abound that will invite speculation during the early-week practice rounds. —Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin cōgent-, cōgens, present participle of cōgere "to drive together, gather, compress, force, compel," from co-, variant before a vowel and h of com- com- + agere "to drive (cattle), be in motion, do" — more at agent

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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Kids Definition

cogent

adjective

co·​gent ˈkō-jənt 

1

: appealing forcibly to the mind : convincing

cogent evidence

a cogent argument

2

: being to the point : pertinent

some cogent remarks on the situation

cogently

ˈkō-jənt-lē

adverb