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
The user followed the advertisement to a convincing landing page. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Although Anthropologie certainly makes a convincing argument for buying enough decor to fill one. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
Love quickly gained the trust of dozens of women, allegedly convincing them to give him large sums of money. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 The clues are convincing enough to have led Historic Royal Palaces to study it, restore it, and, in 2019, display it at Hampton Court alongside the famous Rainbow Portrait of Elizabeth I. — Filippo Iarocci, Vanity Fair, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • Drawing upon previously unpublished archival research, Merritt paints a compelling portrait of the multifaceted activist.
    — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026
  • And her patients and the attention that this young doctor brought to her patients was so compelling to read despite the amount of time that had passed between us.
    — Robert Sullivan, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Eventually released, the resentful ex-con experiences a Damascene conversion due to the Christian compassion of Monseigneur Myriel (Frédéric Pierrot).
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The initial complaint, filed in May 2025, also included false imprisonment and conversion as causes of action, which are not included in the latest complaint.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • China has sought to capitalize on that opening, not necessarily by persuading countries to choose Beijing over Washington, but by making the choice less binary.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Realtors say higher interest rates on mortgages, combined with inflation more broadly, are persuading some people to put off buying homes.
    — Maya Huter, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • To have or not to have pheromones Scientists have yet to find conclusive evidence about whether humans have or are able to detect pheromones.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Despite the pitch of the cliff wall, Parrack found no conclusive evidence of where Bernadette had struck it.
    — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • When the core attribute of a product is invisible before purchase, description is not persuasion.
    — Sebastian Dobrincu, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Now Americans in every state and of every political persuasion this fall will be able to vote by mail, a secure, convenient and growing method that millions chose to exercise the franchise.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Their creamy texture melts into the crispy hash browns for a filling, satisfying start to the day.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The keyboard is comfortable, with noticeable travel and satisfying feedback for a non-mechanical keyboard—enjoyable enough for any user.
    — Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a strong focus on wellness at this resort, but participation isn’t mandatory.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The urge to act quickly could be strong, but not every realization needs an immediate dramatic response.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Aries Full Moon activates your playful 5th house, bringing creativity, romance, self-expression, or a personal passion into sharper focus.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Millions of Hawaii residents are on alert this weekend as Hurricane Nolo slowly makes its way to the islands, bringing heavy rain and high winds.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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