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

• cogent
• compelling
• conclusive
• decisive
• effective
• forceful
• persuasive
• satisfying
• strong
• telling

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

Daniel Farke’s side could not have been more convincing in their final push for the Premier League. —Gregg Evans, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025

Tonge is convincing in his conclusion that the religious orders are a permanent feature of Turkish politics and public life. —Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

The threat of violence hangs over even the most quiet of moments, and — some shoddy CGI animals aside — the film’s grip on that disturbing undercurrent is convincing throughout. —David Opie, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2025

In last year’s presidential race, authorities announced that Maduro was the winner while both domestic and international sources presented much more convincing evidence that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez actually won by a solid margin. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 20 Apr. 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