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
There’s also the challenge of convincing builders running on paper thin margins that their old ways of doing things might fit better in a new mould. — Sara Herschander, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026 While the photos were convincing and viral memes joked about the concept of putting lip gloss on a boot, a quick Google search verifies that the collaboration isn’t real. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
Why a 'partial yield' works so quickly When your partner confronts you, some part of them is preemptively braced for the effort of convincing you. — Mark Travers, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026 Another challenge for James is convincing the public to trust her independence and judgment. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • Kendall Jenner and Hunter Schafer, in Valentino and Prada, respectively, wore two of the evening’s most compelling arguments for black and white evening attire.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Fielder started in the realm of absurdist comedy, and with the Holmes project moves into a world of watercooler high crimes and compelling fourth-wall breaking.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Prior to Monday night’s game between the Bills and Rams, the Bucs ranked seventh in the NFL in total defense, second against the run, tied for eighth in third-down conversion percentage and seventh in interception percentage.
    — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Among the 138 teams in FBS, TCU’s offense ranks 93rd in third down conversions, 110th in rushing, and tied for 103rd in first downs.
    — Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Janabi said one of the biggest challenges has been persuading those who are infected to seek medical assistance, adding that some deaths occur in the community outside of health centers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Both require making the right choices under pressure and persuading others to believe in them.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But Min’s team still had doubts to address before making any conclusive claims.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026
  • For Hoffman, the evening’s results were encouraging but not necessarily conclusive, and the extensive use of guarantees should be taken with a grain of salt.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For generations, Americans of every political persuasion have chosen to safeguard extraordinary places for everyone who would come after them.
    — Mary Beth Laughton, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Much of the public conversation has focused on persuasion, and this number suggests that isn’t where the biggest gap is.
    — Christina Sass, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Here are 16 satisfying activities and rituals to add to your fall bucket list.
    — Clare Marie Schneider, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike quiches, frittatas are crustless, but this version doesn’t skimp on satisfying carbs, thanks to coils of spaghetti that become crisp and caramelized on the edges and soft and fluffy in the eggy center.
    — Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But zest was one of just two strengths (the other is hope) that had the strongest relationship to mental well-being across countries and age groups.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
  • However, some safety advocates and Senator Maria Cantwell want a stronger federal review process.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Creality's approach is rather different, swapping smaller nozzle assemblies instead of complete print heads, and potentially bringing the benefits of multi-nozzle printing to a more affordable machine.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • For the Bills fans, the store opening is bringing a slice of home and Upstate New York.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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