convincing 1 of 3

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
Though Adams backed Getlin and Pelayo to his 25 teammates (and their families) and the 33 coaches and staffers, there were so many more people and organizations that required convincing. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026 Each cycle brought larger models, stronger multimodal reasoning, and more convincing demonstrations. Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Verb
Beckham, 51, also played a key role in convincing Messi to commit to another three years in Miami, per the outlet. Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026 Doucet, who has had a long career as a respected media personality, echoed that sentiment and noted that there were small ways in which her abuser chipped at her esteem, such as convincing her that people said negative remarks about her. Miami Herald, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • 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, 17 May 2026
  • An hour north of New York City, the Hudson Valley has turned into one of the country’s most compelling beer regions with farms, river towns, mountain backdrops, and a concentration of serious breweries that keeps growing.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • The content is programmed around conversion—not the finale, but the point at which a viewer must decide whether to pay.
    Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Columbus, Ohio, ranked first on RentCafe’s list of cities with the most school conversion projects.
    Stacker, Boston Herald, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • But there is little evidence that the AI ads, in themselves, are persuading new voters.
    National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
  • Influencers have become a routine part of persuading voters in local, state and national races as legacy media’s reach has waned, though there are few laws on the books regulating them.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • This finale was written before the cancellation of Gen V, so a conclusive ending was not written for them, hence the future storylines this will set up.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • No Americans have had a conclusive positive test result.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Most other acts by those of a Wolves persuasion barely generated a murmur, and the lap of appreciation by head coach Rob Edwards brought more than a smattering of boos.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Sometimes persuasion is not necessarily about value, but about positioning.
    David Meade, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • December 22 – January 19 A creative idea could click into shape with satisfying precision today.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • Meatball sliders make a fun and satisfying lunch the whole family will enjoy.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The hovercraft tragedy underscores the rapidly changing weather conditions, dangerous waves and strong winds associated with Lake Baikal, reports indicated.
    Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026
  • Beyond keeping bugs away from your guests and food, the zapper also cuts down on the need for bug sprays, which can leave behind strong smells or residue.
    Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Minnesota has interest in bringing Mats Zuccarello back, too, Guerin said.
    Joe Smith, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • Despite high gas prices and an overall pullback in discretionary spending, executives said the consumer continues to show interest in new items that Target is bringing into its assortment.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 20 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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