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
This resulted not just in a convincing depiction of a supernatural creature but also a surprisingly tender one in keeping with the overall humanistic tone of the film. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 July 2026 France continues to be the tournament favorites, with a convincing win against Morocco in the last round. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 July 2026
Verb
In reality, Disney spent roughly two decades trying to acquire the rights before finally convincing Travers to travel to California in 1961. Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026 One option could be convincing Costco to keep some of the products and services that are on the chopping block. Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • In some ways, watching this late-career Messi has become just as compelling an experience as watching the one who recorded a quite absurd 91 goals and 22 assists for Barcelona and Argentina in 2012.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • This analysis makes up the most compelling part of the book, which is written in a kind of structureless, hybrid blogger-academic style, and otherwise tends to bog down in confusing digressions.
    Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • AcePDF offers high-speed, high-accuracy conversions from PDF to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, text, HTML, and images, preserving original formatting down to the hyperlinks.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026
  • Midtown Costco business conversion Costco is asking the city for approval to allow outdoor storage as part of the property’s zoning plan.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Numbers like that are persuading brands to start treating in-game ads and product placements as a serious channel rather than a spare-budget experiment.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
  • But the deportation officers also had other means of persuading the holdouts.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • There’s no conclusive answer, and that’s something McElwee will have to live with.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026
  • Although rescuers had not detected conclusive signs of life, the operation continued under the watch of the child’s parents and grandmother.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The story unfolds as a kind of thriller/procedural as Babs, and her very capable husband Rheal, unleash violence as a precision instrument of power and persuasion.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • Remember how giddy everyone of an English persuasion got after that 4-2 victory?
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Paxton even distinctly remembers the duo satisfying a Big Mac craving after watching Supersize Me together.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
  • Installing peel-and-stick wallpaper is an excellent starter DIY that feels satisfying and packs a punch.
    Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • After a strong start to the tournament, the reigning champions teetered on the brink of elimination throughout the knockout stage, trailing Egypt and England until the closing stages, needing extra time to overcome Cape Verde and Switzerland.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • The incoming prime minister grew up in the northwest of England, a part of the country where the Catholic Church has traditionally had a strong presence, and his outlook has been shaped by Catholic teaching.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Japanese festivals often serve as ways for deities to be brought into the streets for sacred or ritual purposes while also bringing communities together in celebration.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • However, the Scarpetta actress broke Met Gala rules by bringing her eldest daughter as her plus-one to the biggest night in fashion on May 4.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 18 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on convincing

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster