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 result is an intimacy and familiarity between the actors that really drives home the tragedy in the movie’s second half, as do early convincing scenes of marital happiness between Alexander and William Devane as her husband. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2026 While a hearing officer found her removal legally justified, Corpus’ civil grand jury removal case, which requires the higher bar of clear and convincing evidence, remains unresolved. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
The president was instrumental in convincing FIFA President Gianni Infantino to hold the World Cup draw there in December. Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026 One of the first moves Dumont made on the Mavericks’ business side was convincing Rick Welts to come out of retirement and become the team’s CEO. Christian Clark, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • Lime and simple syrup echoed the satisfying push and pull of a proper Gimlet, and a splash of homemade ginger beer gave a spice that lingers on the palate, a compelling closing argument for cocktails with fresh ingredients.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026
  • What makes Matera particularly compelling for active explorers is the way the city itself demands physical engagement.
    Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Grow-Good will expand next to TikTok Shop, where executives see strong potential for accessible beauty brands and high conversion through social commerce.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The combination of direct contributions and strategic conversions during a low-income bridge period is a coordination play that most general-audience content glosses over.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That will mean persuading companies whose executives are still grappling with AI to start investing in a technology that few have begun to think about.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The sensible course may no longer be persuading Kim to stop expanding his arsenal.
    Karishma Vaswani, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The research isn’t conclusive, however.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The broader data is less conclusive on mental health benefits, said West, perhaps because participants get anxious about the programs ending, coupled with the rising cost of living.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • McCoy emphasized that the desire to incorporate more democratic oversight on the growth and development of artificial intelligence should unite people from all political persuasions who often otherwise disagree with each other.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
  • To be sure, restricting voting access can negatively impact voters of all political persuasions.
    Celina Stewart, Time, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Take a page from chef Ferran Adrià’s 2011 book The Family Meal, and cook them into eggs for a quick and satisfying frittata or tortilla.
    Anna Hezel, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The publisher has offered hints of the gameplay and glimpses of the plot in short play sessions, but there has been little opportunity to experience a satisfying chunk of the campaign.
    Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Boko Haram has since become stronger, with thousands of fighters and different factions, including the Islamic State West Africa Province, which is backed by the Islamic State group.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
  • That kind of political intrusion does not make families safer or stronger.
    Austen Erblat, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Your 7th House of Devotion lights up as the emotional Moon enters Aries, bringing chances to clarify expectations with someone important in your life.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Plus, the new ultramarine and green pigments are better suited for deep skin tones, bringing the range to 44 diverse shades.
    Grace McCarty, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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