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 Many memoirists, for cogent reasons, stick to a steady chronological tread, from childhood to a retrospective calm, yet is that not a reassuring lie? Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 The raw footage shows she was quoted accurately, although CBS had edited her response by using her most cogent sentence. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, the White House continues to put out mixed messages on the tariffs, when the very least voters deserve is a cogent explanation of the strategy behind the policy. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 Indeed, topics — some cogent, some not — abound that will invite speculation during the early-week practice rounds. Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cogent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cogent
Adjective
  • In a category full of compelling options, this is arguably the most compelling choice.
    Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Beever-Jones, who has scored four goals in three England games, Grace Clinton and Michelle Agyemang are all compelling options to use from the bench and the blend of youth and experience feels right.
    Nancy Froston, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Anything short of a convincing win would be a massive loss for the club.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • Auckland City is the reigning champion of the New Zealand National League and met the qualifying criteria in the most convincing fashion.
    James Nalton, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The series had a rather shocking ending, and in some ways, seemed pretty conclusive.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Those observations proved less conclusive than had been hoped, but during the rest of the voyage, Cook was able to map the coastland of New Zealand before sailing west to the southeastern coast of Australia—the first record of Europeans on the continent's Eastern coastline.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 June 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 4 Jul. 2025.

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