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
Veteran regional stage director Pesha Rudnick and her convincing actors Gildart Jackson, Will Block and Adam Poole showcase a quartet of talent completely at home in Laguna Beach. Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026 But Chantel Jennings wrote a feature this morning that makes an extremely convincing case. Chris Branch, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Yet the site looked polished and professional, convincing enough to appear legitimate at first glance. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026 Despite the many bold predictions of a financial crisis, the AI industry has held on, successfully convincing investors of the tech’s long-term viability. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • Farther north, Saratoga Springs is an equally compelling stop.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Perhaps sensing this wariness, the creators of some of the more politically compelling movies and TV shows of the past year have instead explored how being alive feels during a tumultuous period.
    Jake Pitre, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Brown is challenging the federal government's purchase and conversion of the warehouse.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The county resolution can’t actually prevent the sale or conversion of the warehouse, however.
    Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And any first base playing time would likely require persuading Freddie Freeman to take a day off – not an easy task.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
  • This lack of trust and erroneous information about the harms of birth control online is likely what is persuading some people to go hormone-free.
    Karen Greiner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As of Saturday night, after Maxey took that nasty spill in the waning moments of the Philadelphia 76ers’ 125-116 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, there wasn’t anything conclusive on his status.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • To be sure, restricting voting access can negatively impact voters of all political persuasions.
    Celina Stewart, Time, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Emotional persuasion should never replace transparent information.
    Andrea Levine O’Rourke, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Its psychedelic interludes exist to snap back into satisfying rhythms.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Blending helps turn veggies and stock into a surprisingly thick and satisfying soup.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Tokyo has shown no interest in military involvement, but some experts believe the conflict could bolster Takaichi's push for a stronger military and expanded weapons sales.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The development signals continued momentum in bringing humanoid robotics closer to commercial factory use.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Katherine has built an incredible track record of bringing premium content to market and building enduring partnerships with top-tier talent that has consistently positioned the studio at the forefront of the industry.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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