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
That's the call and the convincing pitch a suburban Chicago man received in March. Dorothy Tucker, CBS News, 6 May 2026 Some images were more convincing than others. Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Verb
But convincing farmers to grow more has been a tough sell. Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 3 May 2026 Miles intervenes with Ger, convincing him to untie everyone but Lenya. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 1 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.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
  • In Division 2, the talent level is more even, which could make for more compelling matchups.
    Tarek Fattal, Daily News, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Wieffer, like Veltman, a former Dutch international, has made an effective conversion to the role under Hurzeler since the later stages of last season after he was signed in the summer of 2024 as a defensive midfielder.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • In March, Kaufman pleaded no contest to one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, two counts of embezzlement by an agent $20,000 or more but less than $50,000, five counts of embezzlement by an agent $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, and 31 counts of conversion of funeral contracts.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Araghchi questioned whether the latest military exchange was meant to pressure Iran into a peace deal or the result of someone persuading the president of the United States (POTUS) to extend the conflict.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 May 2026
  • Mitchell’s greatest achievement was persuading Congress that effects — not intent — must be the legal standard, because intent can always be disguised.
    Alvin C. Hathaway Sr, Baltimore Sun, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • The longer answer is that there are pages and pages of old FBI records, unresolved cases, eyewitness interviews, and the usual grainy, black-and-white images that show dots but nothing remotely conclusive about aliens, alien spaceships, or any alien technology.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 8 May 2026
  • No definitive motive, supported by conclusive evidence, has been identified yet.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • That’s why all of my colleagues on the city council support my campaign for Senate, regardless of their political persuasion.
    Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
  • And a socially responsible advertising profession is not all about persuasion and instead respects the rights, intelligence, and well-being of consumers and considers society as a whole when raising awareness about the benefits of the client’s products or services.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The project began coalescing last year, after the two had completed the arduous but clearly satisfying production on Apex.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2026
  • The NeeDoh Nice Cube is cube-shaped with sharp corners that are satisfying to squeeze from all sides.
    Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Lewis-Skelly and Calafiori continued to provide balance against Atletico three days later, and were also key components to Arsenal’s strong start against West Ham, alongside Leandro Trossard.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • The case that Ashton and Bradley heavily influenced each other is stronger, if also strained.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • The Sun forms a cazimi with Mercury in Taurus in your 2nd House of Resources, bringing a sharp insight around income, spending, self-worth, or what your energy is actually worth.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • Royals starter Seth Lugo walked designated hitter Andrew Benintendi, bringing Kelenic up with two on and two outs and the score tied at 3.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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