convincing

adjective

con·​vinc·​ing kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ 

1

: satisfying or assuring by argument or proof

a convincing test of a new product

2

: having power to convince of the truth, rightness, or reality of something : plausible

told a convincing story

convincingly

kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ-lē 

adverb

convincingness noun

Synonyms of convincing

• compelling
• conclusive
• strong

Choose the Right Synonym for convincing

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 convincing in a Sentence

Your argument isn't very convincing.

They make a convincing case for reform.

There is no convincing evidence to support his theory.

Recent Examples on the Web

Although there were some early signs of weaker fuel consumption in lower-income Asian economies as the conflict began, that argument appears less convincing in the United States. — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 July 2026

Many analysts suggest the failure stemmed from Syrskyi convincing Zelensky that a simultaneous push against the eastern city of Bakhmut and the Zaporizhzhia front in the south would split Russia’s defenses. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Go for something more subtle and the Emira flaunts its crisp curves and wedgy profile, doing a convincing impression of a full-fledged supercar. — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 22 July 2026

Manchester City need no further convincing and are pushing hard to muscle their way to the front of the queue for a player whose valuation is believed to be in the region of €100million (£85m; $114m). — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for convincing

• evincing
• mincing
• rinsing
• wincing
• unconvincing

Kids Definition

convincing

adjective

con·​vinc·​ing kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ 

: causing one to believe or agree

convincingly

-siŋ-lē 

adverb