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
It’s been 15 years since the Producers Guild introduced its Green Production Guide, and yet convincing film and television productions to think about the life cycle of their sets and props remains a work in progress. Pat Saperstein, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026 That's enough to craft a convincing phishing message, which some hackers may already be doing. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
If my love letter and before and after photos aren’t convincing enough, there’s also the titular serum it's infused with. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026 But prosecutors might have a difficult time convincing a jury that the five defendants are guilty of murder, said Linda Parisi, a defense attorney based in Sacramento. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • Perhaps the most compelling moment of the 2026 NFL Draft came in the final round, when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected running back Eli Heidenreich and the pick was announced to the hometown crowd gathered at the event.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • This one has persisted long enough to stand tall as arguably the most compelling of the 2020s.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This improves energy conversion and output.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Office-to-residential conversions, which would allow more people to live downtown, have been a priority for the organization.
    Thomas Gounley, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • My hero Carol Loomis provided a great service in persuading her pal to share what become justly honored as the Buffett Indicator with all of us.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Flock has become increasingly controversial, with communities across the country persuading their local governments to cancel their contracts, though the number is still dwarfed by how many cities renew their agreements with Flock every year.
    Kevin Collier, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The research is not conclusive on the use of GLP-1 and Alzheimer’s, but some preliminary data is encouraging.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Experts as a whole say more research is needed to give a conclusive answer about benefits and risks.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Its founding was the result of about 20 years of work and persuasion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
  • While in its infancy, radio advertising was seen as an influential funding source for publicity and persuasion.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There’s no satisfying answer to why Sasha climbed onto the pool.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Now, 30% of Maran’s current sales are refills, most of which are contained in photogenic, sensorially satisfying pouches.
    Kara McGrath, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Central bankers must be strong enough to listen to a diversity of views from all corners…humble enough to be open-minded to new ideas and new economic developments…wise enough to translate imperfect data into meaningful insight…and dedicated enough to make judgments faithfully and wisely.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The project increases Georgia’s already strong presence in the growing defense industry.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Below, more about where and why some people are bringing themselves down to earth one step at a time.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Just 30 years ago, Cabo Pulmo’s 20,000-year-old coral reef was depleted by years of overfishing—bringing some species, like the scalloped hammerhead shark, near ecological extinction.
    Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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