convincing 1 of 3

convincing

2 of 3

noun

as in conversion
the act of reasoning or pleading with someone to accept a belief or course of action it will take a great deal of convincing to make them see our point of view

Synonyms & Similar Words

convincing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of convince

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of convincing are cogent, sound, telling, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

Where would cogent be a reasonable alternative to convincing?

In some situations, the words cogent and convincing are roughly equivalent. However, cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

When would sound be a good substitute for convincing?

While in some cases nearly identical to convincing, sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

When can telling be used instead of convincing?

The synonyms telling and convincing are sometimes interchangeable, but telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When is valid a more appropriate choice than convincing?

The words valid and convincing can be used in similar contexts, but 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 convincing
Adjective
The final Italy ran out convincing winners over West Germany in a final that was less thrilling than the 3-1 scoreline suggests. Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025 Anderson made a convincing argument for florals in the fall with her long white off-the-shoulder dress from Magnolia Pearl, which was covered in colorful appliqué flowers. Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
The escalating, hysterical hijinks are grounded in convincing dramatic stakes, and only our comic heroes are allowed to be funny, as the monster actors dutifully honor the hammy seriousness of their characters. Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025 The friend intervened, convincing Houston to put the gun away, according to the district attorney’s office. Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • This week, the dramatic collapse of plans for Barcelona to play a La Liga game against Villarreal in Miami — first reported by The Athletic — added extra spice to the compelling and captivating Clasico.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Marcus Mariota threw an interception that bounced off Deebo Samuel’s hands, and Washington came up short on two fourth-down conversions.
    Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • This night train to the slopes is an all-inclusive package, including transport, transfers, accommodation, and ski pass, with the option to rent gear (starting at 1,256 euros, or approximately $1,461 per person, based on current conversion rates).
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That could help with a key goal of the new transit line — persuading people who commute by car to give a more comfortable bus experience a try.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Despite a recent plan to overhaul California’s strict insurance regulations in hopes of persuading carriers to expand coverage in fire-risk areas, many homeowners have yet to see any immediate changes.
    Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers further explain that the discovery of microscopic deformation features in quartz provides conclusive proof that the Jinlin crater was formed by an asteroid impact.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement What the NFL changed to reduce injuries In recent years, as research about CTE has become more conclusive, some sports leagues have begun to concede that head impacts are a problem.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • When the bidding for tickets and a hotel stay for a Manchester City–Liverpool game starts slow, Vonn ups the ante with her powers of persuasion.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Every American, regardless of race, gender or religious persuasion, should have the opportunity to realize their natural potential via education.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There's something satisfying about cleaning windows and getting a streak-free finish.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
  • There’s something satisfying about the victim-less crime.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Rockets big man Alperen Şengün was limited to 5-of-18 shooting after a strong season opener in Oklahoma City.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Smith cited a strong support network for transgender students on campus during her appearance.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Near the end of his remarks, Ho mentioned his hopes for some areas of focus, including bringing homeless services back under local control and shifting some responsibility away from the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, or SHRA.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Instead—especially if advanced AI becomes a widely-available commodity—the majority of the value might instead flow to manufacturers of computer hardware, or to the industries where AI is bringing the most efficiency gains.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 28 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on convincing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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