Definition of convincingnext

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 user followed the advertisement to a convincing landing page. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Although Anthropologie certainly makes a convincing argument for buying enough decor to fill one. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
New York Yankees fans spent the last three months convincing themselves that Aaron Judge riding in like the White Knight was going to fix every single problem in the Bronx. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026 The Los Angeles Rams are loaded, Patrick Mahomes has a new knee, the Super Bowl champs are somehow underdogs and Buffalo Bills fans are once again convincing themselves this is the year! — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • Fortunately, if no less terribly, there is more to the story, and many of the most compelling scenes have little or nothing to do with Michael.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
  • And it's brought to our audience a wide range of compelling stories – from personal narratives to sound-rich explorations of places and events to hard-hitting journalism on issues and topics that are important to students.
    — Janet W. Lee, NPR, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Eventually released, the resentful ex-con experiences a Damascene conversion due to the Christian compassion of Monseigneur Myriel (Frédéric Pierrot).
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The initial complaint, filed in May 2025, also included false imprisonment and conversion as causes of action, which are not included in the latest complaint.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Realtors say higher interest rates on mortgages, combined with inflation more broadly, are persuading some people to put off buying homes.
    — Maya Huter, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In other words, setting direction, then guiding, persuading and motivating others, isn’t enough anymore.
    — Liz Guthridge, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • To have or not to have pheromones Scientists have yet to find conclusive evidence about whether humans have or are able to detect pheromones.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
  • None is conclusive proof on its own, but each helps establish the date and time.
    — Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • When the core attribute of a product is invisible before purchase, description is not persuasion.
    — Sebastian Dobrincu, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Now Americans in every state and of every political persuasion this fall will be able to vote by mail, a secure, convenient and growing method that millions chose to exercise the franchise.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Their creamy texture melts into the crispy hash browns for a filling, satisfying start to the day.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The keyboard is comfortable, with noticeable travel and satisfying feedback for a non-mechanical keyboard—enjoyable enough for any user.
    — Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a strong focus on wellness at this resort, but participation isn’t mandatory.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The urge to act quickly could be strong, but not every realization needs an immediate dramatic response.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Like all the other participants in the beginning class, Bugumba also has an artistic bent, bringing a tumbler artistically decorated with cat logos and a phone case covered with feline pictures.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The Moon in your partnership zone squares Mercury in your domestic sphere, bringing competing needs into the same room.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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