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
For businesses that rely on video conferencing to close deals and communicate with partners, Resemble AI notes that its enterprise tech uses deepfake detection models designed to spot convincing fakes. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026 However, the Seahawks’ own third-down struggles make a comfortable victory less convincing. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
Rolling out these commitments, Amazon seemed bent on convincing Americans that the swelling data center backlash is based on lies. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 Thieves have used convincing Apple-style texts and fake Find My websites to trick stolen iPhone owners into revealing their passcodes. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • If your rate is above 6%, using your extra money to aggressively pay down your debt is compelling.
    — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Goldman said that the stock remains compelling, even after a 23% runup this year.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Adapalene is similar, working directly on the retinoid receptors in skin without any conversions.
    — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Buzz has proven to be a polarizing design with limited space for camper conversions, the Transit Custom has long been a celebrated camper base van thanks to the highly popular Ford Nugget.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • RatHat relies heavily on persuading people to sideload malicious apps.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Any legal maneuvers could take months to play out and may have the effect of persuading his targets to postpone any plans to leave the Fed, as Powell has already done.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Still, the final score was 31-14, a conclusive win for Ohio State, but hardly the embarrassment of Alabama-MSU.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • And likewise, the evidence against attachment isn’t conclusive.
    — Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But those previously mentioned four skills where superhuman performance could suffice to kill all humans (hacking, persuasion, planning and coordination, uninterpretable reasoning) mean that generalization matters only so much.
    — Geoffrey Irving, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • As such, the narratives constructed by mainstream media outlets are not mere reflections of events but active tools of persuasion.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The documentary condemns The Swan for manufacturing reality, while offering its own more morally satisfying reality.
    — Danielle Pergament, Allure, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Adding Protein The healthy fats and fiber in avocado toast are satisfying and can help keep you feeling full.
    — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • All manner of contemporary art is shown here, with a collection over 200,000 pieces strong, ranging from Diane Arbus and Cindy Sherman photographs to paintings from Francis Bacon and Sol LeWitt sculptures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than a sudden surge, the new estimate shows the population has always been strong, thriving, and secure.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • There is a risk of flash flooding, with the storm bringing 4 to 8 inches across southern Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend, and southwest Georgia, according to the advisory.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Back at the hotel, the rooftop pool offers a welcome reset after a day exploring DTLA, while the gym is well-equipped and justifies bringing a set of workout clothes.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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