telling

adjective

tell·​ing ˈte-liŋ 

: carrying great weight and producing a marked effect : effective, expressive

the most telling evidence

tellingly

ˈte-liŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

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

Choose the Right Synonym for telling

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 telling in a Sentence

Her experience is a telling example of why the nation's educational system needs to be changed.

The most telling moment in the case was when the victim took the stand.

Recent Examples on the Web

And perhaps even more telling—the company raised its regular dividend, albeit by a penny per share, for the first time in years. —Brett Owens, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

But the most telling indicator may be a recent embrace of analog technologies like flip phones, vinyl records, and cassette players. —Zoë Bernard, Vox, 12 Sep. 2024

But the reaction to Solis’ cooperation with the feds is even more telling, showing how the moral compass of the council is so broken that many members seem to prioritize loyalty over integrity. —Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2024

Data from the likes of Fandom and Parrot Analytics can add helpful context to Nielsen streaming rankings and platforms’ own, selective use of viewership numbers, but perhaps the most telling revelation in the study shared with The Times is more foundational than the fight over release strategies. —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing telling

• I don't mind telling you
• there's no telling
• you're telling me

Kids Definition

telling

adjective

tell·​ing

ˈtel-iŋ

: producing a noticeable effect : effective

the most telling evidence

tellingly

-iŋ-lē

adverb