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
Alexandre François, the WhoisXML API domain scam researcher behind the study, told CyberGuy that AI can help operators build convincing websites quickly and at scale. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 And one of the anecdotes that Bird tells in this book is how President Eisenhower kept coming up with very convincing, very ingenious, plausible arguments for not taking on [Senator] Joe McCarthy directly. David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
Verb
Still, convincing brands there’s a business case for making clothes customers want to hold onto can be fraught. Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 July 2026 There are still massive hurdles ahead, including building a global liquid-hydrogen infrastructure at airports and convincing regulators that flying fuel cells is completely safe. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • My preference is for trips that combine these highlight destinations with lesser known, but perhaps more compelling places.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • According to Fleming, Washington understood that institutional survival depends on relationships, persuasion, strategy, and a compelling account of what an institution could accomplish.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • The makeover of the Taco Heads building — actually two old houses connected by a patio — is as impressive as the Teddy Wong’s conversion from a 7-Eleven.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
  • Since then, three more Manhattan office conversion projects have been ordered to partially pause or halt construction this month over issues ranging from missing paperwork to cracks in concrete beams.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The goal should not be persuading every military family to attend a DoWEA school, but instead ensuring every military family can access the educational environment that best serves their child.
    Jeanne Allen, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Major carriers, most notably and successfully United and Delta Air Lines, have spent years persuading customers to pay more for tickets by investing in much improved services.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • So, a strange ending for one of Netflix’s best shows, but three seasons and a conclusive movie are now in Netflix’s catalog for anyone to watch.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • The film, the conclusive ending to the three Heartstopper seasons adapted from Alice Oseman’s graphic novel, is set to follow Charlie (Locke) and Nick (Connor)’s biggest relationship hurdle yet.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Plan creative variations for persuasion targets, turnout audiences and different demographic groups so targeting is paired with relevant messaging.
    Kris Qiu, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • VisionSpring relied on persuasion and pilot schemes and built a hyper-efficient 15-minute screening protocol to keep production lines moving.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Dessert is a simple but satisfying vanilla or chocolate soft serve (or a swirl).
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • It couldn't be determined whether the firm was satisfying its margin calls through the sales.
    David Faber, CNBC, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • This is a strong day to pitch, perform, flirt, draft, or share something that feels alive.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • While heavy foreign equity selling earlier this year weighed on the won, Goldman said those outflows have slowed, allowing the currency's strong external fundamentals to reassert themselves.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • Two more men with stab wounds related to the incident were found at a hospital, according to Smith, bringing the total victim count to five.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
  • Rekindling the product-first focus may mean bringing that fire to only some devices, like foldables or glasses, while creating small, passionate groups that can bypass the institutional inertia of the larger organization.
    Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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