Synonyms of convincing

convincing 1 of 3

adjective

kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ 

as in compelling

having the power to persuade

convincing evidence for the guilt of the accused

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compelling
• conclusive
• strong
• persuasive
• effective
• decisive
• valid
• satisfying
• telling
• forceful
• cogent
• definitive
• authoritative
• important
• sound
• significant
• relevant
• pertinent
• well-founded
• material
• weighty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unconvincing
• ineffective
• inconclusive
• indecisive
• shaky
• unfounded
• unpersuasive
• invalid
• insignificant
• unsound
• unimportant
• groundless
• uncompelling
• irrelevant
• inconsequential
• immaterial
• weak
• feeble

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

• conversion
• persuasion
• persuading
• inducement
• inducing
• suasion
• lobbying
• coaxing
• seduction
• pressuring
• influencing
• exhortation
• wheedling
• urging
• entreaty
• cajolery
• prompting
• tempting
• blandishment
• swaying
• cajolement
• brainwashing
• overpersuasion

convincing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of convince

as in persuading

to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests

we convinced him to keep silent about our activities until we could spring the surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

• persuading
• satisfying
• bringing
• getting
• inducing
• urging
• attracting
• moving
• gaining
• arguing
• coaxing
• converting
• prompting
• enticing
• talking (into)
• prevailing (on or upon)
• winning (over)
• seducing
• tempting
• luring
• interesting
• cajoling
• bringing around
• exhorting
• influencing
• selling
• wheedling
• entreating
• swaying
• alluring
• beguiling
• discussing
• brainwashing
• debating
• drawing
• blandishing
• inclining
• fast-talking
• conversing
• leading on
• snowing
• disputing
• overpersuading
• blarneying
• reasoning (with)
• hashing (over)
• mooting
• chewing over

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discouraging
• deterring
• dissuading
• unselling

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

Recent Examples of convincing

Adjective

Either way, this requires a bright star to produce a signal large enough to be convincing. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026

Everton lack attacking quality in both full-back positions, while the Scot will still need convincing of Barry and Beto’s ability to lead the line long-term. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

Verb

Unfortunately, The Joker must lie to his mom by convincing a stranger to be their girlfriend and agree to joining them at a Broadway show. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026

The mom-to-be’s condition rapidly worsens, with Addison convincing Amelia — again reluctantly — to restore her privileges and scrub in. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026