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

But what looks convincing in a quick DIY video can feel far less polished in real life—especially in bright, everyday spaces where imperfections are hard to hide. —Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026

In 2018, Artforum ran a convincing essay by Canada Choate about the album as a forebear to Charli XCX’s meta-pop experiments. —Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026

Aside from how much human assistance the AIs had, the vast bulk of the submissions appear to be a lot of very convincing nonsense. —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2026

The scenes between Sally and Theo are more convincing, but the dynamic between them grinds on snappishly. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 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