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 gives you another layer of protection if a convincing email or text gets through. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 After much convincing, Stark develops a time machine to send the Avengers back in time and bring infinity stones to the present to revive the people who had been snapped out of existence. — Michael McDonough, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
Meanwhile, some of the leading figures in the AI revolution have done a less than convincing job in recent attempts to explain why a job creation boom is all but assured. — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026 Oasis featured for the first time in a Saturday Night Live UK cold open over the weekend, with the Gallagher brothers revealing themselves as Russian spies after almost convincing Prime Minister Andy Burnham to join them. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 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
  • After a complicated ownership saga that included a failed $190 million auction bid in 2023, the Brodsky Organization and Sorgente Group moved ahead with the residential conversion.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026
  • But every watt lost to idle draw while a cooler cycles, or to low-power conversion while a light stays on, is energy already paid for and carried, but never used.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 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
  • Encouraging Participation Instead Of Persuasion Younger consumers respond to participation, not persuasion.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Now Americans in every state and of every political persuasion this fall will be able to vote by mail, a secure, convenient and growing method that millions chose to exercise the franchise.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 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
  • Mercury in Scorpio squares Mars in Leo, making opinions stronger, reactions quicker, and certain conversations easier to escalate than intended.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Fire officials had also failed to take advantage of satellite imagery after strong winds grounded their typical eyes in the sky, aircraft.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The midterm election has arrived in Florida, bringing with it clashes for governor, Congress and the state Legislature, consequential constitutional amendments and local races and referenda.
    — Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Bryan's shirt immediately ignited a debate online, with social media users split over whether the singer was making a courageous political statement or bringing politics into a concert where fans simply came to hear music.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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