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 cold open featured a too-convincing Colin Jost as Pete Hegseth, parodying his anti-DEI speech-slash-Ted-Talk to soldiers, with James Austin Johnson’s Trump coming on soon after to recap his summer. Rima Parikh, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2025 With the technology becoming increasingly adept at creating convincing crowd scenes, manipulating visuals has never been easier. Chloe Veltman, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
Someone might be intent on convincing you to agree with their views. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025 The production leaned on local support and logistical stability, helping ground its 1970s political intrigue in convincing regional textures without compromising scale. Essie Assibu, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • This new Taiwanese series looks compelling.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
  • That's what makes the minerals Perseverance spotted — particularly greigite in the leopard spots — so compelling.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The conversion to an all-seater venue six years earlier had simply involved bolting bucket seats on to the existing shallow terraces.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • And the Chiefs went 4-for-4 on fourth-down conversions to extend a trend with an NFL-high nine such conversions this season in 10 tries — after attempting all of 17 last season (12 successfully).
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Klopp still has a job in the game, as overseer of the Red Bull Group, which seems to consist of giving advice here and there, watching games, assessing potential signings and then persuading those signings to, erm, sign.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Sponsorship organizations seek donations by persuading people and groups that have, to lend financial support those who don’t have or have far less.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In this framework, the new recommendations are actively harmful, and not grounded in conclusive research.
    Dr. Sunny Patel, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The publication also noted that despite there being no conclusive evidence that Assata was directly to blame for the death of Foerster, New Jersey law stated that everyone involved was equally responsible for the murder.
    Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • To the extent that AI’s promise to automate and improve the effectiveness of political tasks like personalized messaging, persuasion, and campaign strategy is even partially realized, this could generate a systematic advantage.
    Nathan E. Sanders, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
  • On the flip side, some evidence exists that AI can also be convinced, using persuasion techniques for humans, to give responses it would usually be prohibited from giving.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For something more casual, Grigg Street Pizza slings satisfying slices, pies, and sandwiches.
    Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The finish is long, oaky, and fruit-laced leaving behind notes of spice, sweetness, and the satisfying heat of a stronger pour.
    Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, while vision isn’t their strongest sense, dogs may even be able to see certain aspects of a TV show.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The young right-hander put together a strong season, but few were better after the All-Star break.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • My record includes bringing major sports franchises like the Heat, Marlins and Panthers; building police substations; crafting the SMART Plan; winning single-member district reforms; and funding after-school programs with private dollars.
    Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Demanding responsibilities in assisting his mom with bills, helping care for his sisters, bringing order to the house.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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