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

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

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
But the same information can be used to make scams far more convincing. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Mar. 2026 Today, there’s a convincing illusion of realism. Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Heat has done it in convincing fashion, too. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2026 Lorena Gonzalez, who wrote AB 218 in 2019 before leaving the Legislature to head up the California Federation of Labor Unions, said lobbying firms had been urging unions recently to take the lead on convincing the Assembly to change the law. Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • During periods of volatility and uncertainty, sticking to your long-term plan and tuning out the noise can also prove to be a compelling strategy, analysts said.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Needham’s Tom Nikic believes that On will remain a compelling growth story in 2026 as brand awareness continues to grow globally.
    Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Florida’s run game finished 12th in the 16-team SEC, while the Gators ranked 15th in third-down conversions.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Curry was found to be in possession of six machine-gun conversion devices, silencers and unserialized firearms and receivers, the Attorney General’s Office said.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Scams and malicious actors could be waiting on the other end, with the intent of covertly persuading the call’s recipient to get involved in some kind of scheme.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
  • But Reform’s popularity has spiked, harnessing anger over the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and dilapidated public services, and increasingly persuading Britons that immigration is to blame.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Meta and other tech firms have long argued publicly that there is no conclusive evidence linking social media to addiction or other mental health challenges.
    CNN, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
  • In the state's response to the allegations, Florida argued that Trotter's claims are speculative because the records aren't conclusive.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Jesse worked nonstop — a true indicator of how his life’s focus was to raise up those who needed the power of his pressure and persuasion.
    Rick Davis, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • In the meantime, Americans of all political persuasions should welcome the news.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Replacing the heavy cream with buttermilk creates a velvety and satisfying cheese sauce.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Season seven raises the stakes, deepens the drama, and brings Eliza and Blake’s journey to a thrilling and satisfying close.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Keller Mayor Armin Mizani has a strong lead over former Tarrant County GOP Treasurer Fred Tate in the Republican primary for state House in District 98 after the early voting, according to unofficial results.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
  • In addition to seeing stronger hair over time, she’s noticed that adding this formula to her regimen has helped improve her energy levels and balance her hormone levels.
    Emily Orofino, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Republican voters demonstrated their willingness to embrace ultra-conservative candidates by bringing Attorney General Ken Paxton close to victory in the Senate primary despite his scandals and controversial history, suggesting the rightward trajectory of the GOP continues[1].
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The outbreak of the Iran war has shaken the world’s oil market, bringing new uncertainty as analysts warn of potential spikes in oil and gasoline prices.
    Chaewon Chung March 3, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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