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

• 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

The woman in the red dress reappeared, now as a very convincing avatar, not the same as my abstract one. —Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Where Thompson’s performance hinged on a convincing performance of someone decidedly unlike herself, White is mostly playing herself playing Rose (her GG character), this time in song. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025

Labs worldwide tried and failed to reproduce the result, skepticism surged, and official reviews concluded evidence was not convincing. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025

Less convincing are some of the dramatically hefty scenes involving Dillon’s Horn, who seems, at times, to be reciting his dialogue rather than fully embodying it. —Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025

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