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

Enter the Mary Jane sneaker, fashion’s latest—and surprisingly convincing—attempt to make a practical shoe a little more fun. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026

Criminals in 2026 can craft convincing emails and clone familiar voices with alarming accuracy. — Emily Elconin For Cnn, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

There is no convincing evidence that such procedures slow aging in humans. — Venki Ramakrishnan, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026

As generative AI has become better at producing convincing — if not hyper-polished — images, video and other creative work in the past year, the debate around its role in culture is moving beyond whether artists should use it. — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 15 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