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 data about this risk, on paper, is convincing—though still emerging. Sam Brodsky, Flow Space, 20 June 2025 Fraser works tirelessly to make her correlations convincing. Sarah Weinman, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025
Verb
The singer plays the part of a smitten admirer whose best bet for not going home alone is convincing their crush to spend a little more time in their presence. Stephen Kearse, TIME, 9 Dec. 2024 The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series in convincing fashion following a dominant playoff run. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • In a category full of compelling options, this is arguably the most compelling choice.
    Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • While summer nail color trends tend to be bright and sunny, with shades like swimming pool blue, cherry red, and butter yellow playing a starring role in a manicurist's palette, Robbie does make a compelling case for swapping your fresh white or jelly pink for an unexpected, gothy color.
    Allure, Allure, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The state Office of the Marijuana Commissioner announced that existing medical marijuana conversion licensees can begin selling adult-use cannabis on August 1, more than two years after the state legalized recreational weed for adults.
    A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The set also comes with a driver conversion adapter that turns the 6mm wrench into a driver.
    Gabriel Morgan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The agency has sued companies for persuading veterans to sell their pension and disability payments, for charging military families more than thirty-six per cent interest on pawn loans, and for misleading servicemembers to take costly cash-out refinance loans on their homes.
    E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The Bears don’t appear to be having much trouble persuading offensive players to come to Chicago after hiring Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator.
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • First, as Paul points out, laboratory tests may not be conclusive or may appear normal, even when the patient is clearly experiencing abnormal symptoms.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 7 July 2025
  • Replay seemed to show LeMahieu getting in under Sánchez’s tag, but a lack of conclusive evidence led to the original call being upheld after a review.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • And, in her view, the LGBTQ coalition coasted instead of carrying on the work of public persuasion.
    Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
  • Shapero described a vision of recruiting where AI handles the repetitive work—generating job specs, matching candidate skills, screening for eligibility—and recruiters focus on the human elements: persuasion, relationship-building, and judgment.
    Massimo Marioni, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The successful outcome for Perpetua Resources is especially impressive given the complex nature of the federal, state, and local permitting process, as well as the work involved in satisfying the concerns of local communities and the Nez Perz Tribe.
    David Blackmon, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Employees who cultivate relationships at work have a more fun and satisfying experience.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Christmas centers on humility and grace — the birth of a savior in the humblest of settings, bringing a hopeful message of personal redemption and universal love.
    Priscilla Whitehead, Sun Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
  • According to a forecast from Bank of America Securities, consumers are expected to spend 7% more in 2024 than in 2023, bringing their average anticipated spending up to nearly $2,100.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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