convincing

1 of 2

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

convincing

2 of 2

present participle of convince

Synonyms of convincing

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

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

Adjective

The user followed the advertisement to a convincing landing page. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Although Anthropologie certainly makes a convincing argument for buying enough decor to fill one. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

This kind of media literacy is increasingly relevant as synthetic voices become more common and more convincing. — Will Jones, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026

The San Francisco 49ers handled the return from Australia just as well as the trip there and have started the season with two convincing victories. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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