convincing 1 of 3

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
Holy Cross commit Hannah Lasch sniped a pair of goals, as Hingham (15-4-2) punched a ticket to the Round of 8 with a convincing 3-0 victory over a longtime nemesis. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025 The role doesn’t seem like a heavy lift in terms of providing a convincing, dramatic performance. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
Alexander-Arnold also spoke about the influence of fellow England international, club team-mate and close friend Jude Bellingham in convincing him to make the move last summer. James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025 From her early years as a spot-on Toddlers & Tiaras contestant to convincing husband Mark Consuelos to go as Travis Kelce to her Taylor Swift for one of the cutest couples costumes of Halloween 2023, here are Kelly Ripa's most impressive Halloween get-ups over the years. Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • Department stores still have to make a compelling case for consumers to come back.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025
  • North Carolina is renowned for its music, creativity, and breathtaking mountain views, but its large-scale artworks offer another compelling reason to visit the state.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The Commanders failed to make the 2-point conversion and were down 16 points to the Lions.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The Teflon-like molecular layer pushed perovskite solar cells to an impressive 27 percent power conversion efficiency.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Chime has proven wildly successful in persuading new customers to open accounts.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
  • After reading Wuoronos’ story, Pralle began conversing with her through letters, eventually persuading Wuornos to let Pralle adopt her.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Though home blood pressure monitors are effective, a healthcare provider can provide more accurate and conclusive results.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Despite numerous conclusive assessments that the Saudi regime planned and perpetrated Khashoggi’s murder, the high-level officials who ordered his execution have gone unpunished, six years on.
    Scott Griffen, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The license fee is supposed to free the BBC from commercial constraints faced by other outlets, which drive many to tailor their output to the political persuasion of their audiences.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Kelly isn’t capable of lifting cars or running 60 miles per hour; his true strength seems to lie in the power of persuasion.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • This recipe is the ultimate creamy and satisfying comfort food.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
  • One beneficiary may be the Catalan-language itself, also satisfying a yearning for authenticity, which is proving a major lure of both films and series.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025
  • But despite strong technical progress, widespread adoption remains challenging due to cost, infrastructure demands, and limited technological maturity.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The proposal calls for expanding the project’s scope to include 90 more acute care beds, bringing the hospital’s total to 136 beds.
    Chase Jordan November 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Just two ways of bringing playful drama to a space through color, the brightness is reminiscent of the joy of holidays and puts a smile on everyone’s face.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on convincing

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