Synonym Chooser

How is the word cogent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cogent are convincing, sound, telling, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

When can convincing be used instead of cogent?

The synonyms convincing and cogent are sometimes interchangeable, but convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

When is sound a more appropriate choice than cogent?

The meanings of sound and cogent largely overlap; however, sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

When would telling be a good substitute for cogent?

While the synonyms telling and cogent are close in meaning, telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

In what contexts can valid take the place of cogent?

The words valid and cogent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent
a valid marriage

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cogent Among the dozens of books that have attempted to identify the forces that Trump rode to power, this is one of the most closely reported and cogent. Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 Infusing the style and pathos of the Super Robot Wars games into a cogent 2D fighting game, Iron Saga VS definitely stood out. Ollie Barder, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Her insights in class are concise, cogent, and nuanced. Ted Ladd, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 World leaders will struggle to have a cogent grasp of minor details of who-shot-who on the front line. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cogent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cogent
Adjective
  • His ability to craft compelling narratives and showcase diverse perspectives has positioned him as a leading industry force.
    Janee Bolden, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Drucker is able to conjure a frosty authority that is entirely convincing, while simultaneously hinting at vulnerabilities that nobody within the narrative is allowed to see.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2025
  • After a convincing defeat to a team looking to get back to the Cup Final, the question is, how close is Vegas’ championship window to closing?
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps the most conclusive evidence assembled has been the 800 page report and interactive digital platform by experts at Forensic Architecture.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 May 2025
  • The filmmakers are never conclusive about Enzo’s burgeoning sexuality nor his plans for the future, and that’s clearly by design.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Cogent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cogent. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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