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

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

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 most convincing evidence points to a different formation process known as inside-out planet formation. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Feb. 2026 His mission is to raise awareness of pangolins in Nigeria through a wildlife show for kids and a tactic of convincing entertainers, musicians and other celebrities with millions of social media followers to be involved in conservation campaigns — or just be seen with a pangolin. ABC News, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
The Heat has done it in convincing fashion, too. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2026 Lorena Gonzalez, who wrote AB 218 in 2019 before leaving the Legislature to head up the California Federation of Labor Unions, said lobbying firms had been urging unions recently to take the lead on convincing the Assembly to change the law. Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • During periods of volatility and uncertainty, sticking to your long-term plan and tuning out the noise can also prove to be a compelling strategy, analysts said.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Needham’s Tom Nikic believes that On will remain a compelling growth story in 2026 as brand awareness continues to grow globally.
    Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Florida’s run game finished 12th in the 16-team SEC, while the Gators ranked 15th in third-down conversions.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Curry was found to be in possession of six machine-gun conversion devices, silencers and unserialized firearms and receivers, the Attorney General’s Office said.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Scams and malicious actors could be waiting on the other end, with the intent of covertly persuading the call’s recipient to get involved in some kind of scheme.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
  • But Reform’s popularity has spiked, harnessing anger over the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and dilapidated public services, and increasingly persuading Britons that immigration is to blame.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Meta and other tech firms have long argued publicly that there is no conclusive evidence linking social media to addiction or other mental health challenges.
    CNN, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
  • In the state's response to the allegations, Florida argued that Trotter's claims are speculative because the records aren't conclusive.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Jesse worked nonstop — a true indicator of how his life’s focus was to raise up those who needed the power of his pressure and persuasion.
    Rick Davis, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • In the meantime, Americans of all political persuasions should welcome the news.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This two-culture kitchen approach — fusion cooking, as it is still sometimes called — provides a satisfying meal highlighting the best of each.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • City officials maintain that because the rebates are issued from general revenue rather than a new property tax, the program is considered a budgetary appropriation, satisfying the constitutional requirement that public funds be used for a legitimate public purpose.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Keller Mayor Armin Mizani has a strong lead over former Tarrant County GOP Treasurer Fred Tate in the Republican primary for state House in District 98 after the early voting, according to unofficial results.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
  • In addition to seeing stronger hair over time, she’s noticed that adding this formula to her regimen has helped improve her energy levels and balance her hormone levels.
    Emily Orofino, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Nick Buckler, captain of the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s special operations unit, credited members of the public with bringing the video to the attention of investigators.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
  • And beyond the wall of the main dining room, the second dining area has been turned into a giant food pantry, with neighbors bringing everything from toilet paper to beans to ramen to help feed people who are afraid to leave their homes.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 26 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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