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

Examples 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 Ending this war will require a clear and cogent vision for a new security architecture for the region. Lise Morjé Howard, Foreign Affairs, 20 Mar. 2023 Often created through a long, laborious procedure from organic materials such as hemp, copper, wood, and even entire trees, her careful, cogent works possess a grounding evidence of their facture that sets them apart from the typically sleek, industrial-looking work of her Minimalist peers. News Desk, Artforum, 5 Sep. 2024 In most of these cases of Albany legislative wrangling, there’s at least cogent if often unconvincing arguments on both sides. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 May 2024 The Republican Party seems at last to be coalescing anew around a concentrated set of cogent arguments. Danielle Allen, Washington Post, 19 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for cogent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cogent
Adjective
  • Your presentation deck must tell a compelling story.
    Andrey Sergeenkov, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
  • 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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Hedy Phillips, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The video should appear at once utterly convincing, ensuring that the effect of the transition into the live stage scene that follows feels somehow uncanny.
    Ayad Akhtar, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024
  • Words that lurk behind corners or tip-toe around issues are neither credible nor convincing.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The Atomic Energy Commission's investigation was not conclusive.
    Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024
  • No data is conclusive as to what form of garlic might be best for colds.
    Nancy LeBrun, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
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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Thesaurus Entries Near cogent

Cite this Entry

“Cogent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cogent. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on cogent

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