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

How to Watch Ole Miss vs The Citadel The Rebels arrive Saturday afternoon in Oxford, sitting at 8-1, fresh off a convincing 30-14 win and firmly in the top-10 national picture heading into the final stretch of the season. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

Holy Cross commit Hannah Lasch sniped a pair of goals, as Hingham (15-4-2) punched a ticket to the Round of 8 with a convincing 3-0 victory over a longtime nemesis. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

An attorney for David Ermold and David Moore, the gay couple to which Davis' owes damages, told the justices in a court filing that the former clerk does not make a convincing case that warrants being heard. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2025

The role doesn’t seem like a heavy lift in terms of providing a convincing, dramatic performance. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 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