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
Though Adams backed Getlin and Pelayo to his 25 teammates (and their families) and the 33 coaches and staffers, there were so many more people and organizations that required convincing. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026 Each cycle brought larger models, stronger multimodal reasoning, and more convincing demonstrations. Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Verb
This removes the sap from the outer petals, convincing the bud to open quickly. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026 Good luck convincing the Atlanta Braves that Freddie Freeman was in a home run drought. Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 9 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.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
  • An hour north of New York City, the Hudson Valley has turned into one of the country’s most compelling beer regions with farms, river towns, mountain backdrops, and a concentration of serious breweries that keeps growing.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 16 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
  • Influencers have become a routine part of persuading voters in local, state and national races as legacy media’s reach has waned, though there are few laws on the books regulating them.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
  • Trump wants Xi’s help persuading Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and come back to the bargaining table.
    Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • This finale was written before the cancellation of Gen V, so a conclusive ending was not written for them, hence the future storylines this will set up.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • No Americans have had a conclusive positive test result.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Most other acts by those of a Wolves persuasion barely generated a murmur, and the lap of appreciation by head coach Rob Edwards brought more than a smattering of boos.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Sometimes persuasion is not necessarily about value, but about positioning.
    David Meade, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • December 22 – January 19 A creative idea could click into shape with satisfying precision today.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • Meatball sliders make a fun and satisfying lunch the whole family will enjoy.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 14 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 18 May. 2026.

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