TELLING Synonyms: 281 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'telling' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of telling are cogent , convincing , sound , and valid . While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter. // a telling example of bureaucratic waste

Q: When would 'cogent' be a good substitute for 'telling'?

Although the words cogent and telling have much in common, cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation. // the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

Q: When is it sensible to use 'convincing' instead of 'telling'?

The synonyms convincing and telling are sometimes interchangeable, but convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept. // a convincing argument for welfare reform

Q: When is 'sound' a more appropriate choice than 'telling'?

The words sound and telling can be used in similar contexts, but sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds. // a sound proposal for reviving the economy

Q: Where would 'valid' be a reasonable alternative to 'telling'?

While the synonyms valid and telling are close in meaning, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority. // a valid reason for being absent // a valid marriage

telling 1 of 2

adjective

ˈte-liŋ

Definition of telling

as in convincing

having the power to persuade presented us with telling evidence that convinced us he was right

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

telling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of tell

as in describing

to give an oral or written account of in some detail they told the story of how they had met

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in saying

to express (a thought or emotion) in words just tell us what is in your heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in counting

to find the sum of (a collection of things) by noting each one as it is being added who can tell the number of grains of sand in the world?

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in informing

to give information to tell me, when did you begin playing the violin?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in instructing

to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority told us to sit still and wait

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disclosing

to make known (as information previously kept secret) I won't tell your secret to anyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word telling different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of telling are cogent, convincing, sound, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When would cogent be a good substitute for telling?

Although the words cogent and telling have much in common, cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

When is it sensible to use convincing instead of telling?

The synonyms convincing and telling are sometimes interchangeable, but convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

When is sound a more appropriate choice than telling?

The words sound and telling can be used in similar contexts, but sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

Where would valid be a reasonable alternative to telling?

While the synonyms valid and telling are close in meaning, 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 telling

Adjective

Nothing in Rohmer is more telling than those moments when two individuals stare at each other. — André Aciman, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 The agreement is expected to be signed Friday in Switzerland, but experts at GasBuddy say the next few days will be very telling, especially if traffic begins moving in the Strait of Hormuz. — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 15 June 2026

Verb

From a totals perspective, Yoane Wissa (12) and Son Heung-min (11) are the standouts but Bruno Guimaraes (30 per cent) and Darwin Nunez (28 per cent) have the highest share of late goals, with each of these players’ numbers telling a story. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 The secret was discovered when a courtesy phone call was made telling his mom about an injury. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for telling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for telling

Adjective

Amenities and experiences The Rockaway Hotel makes a pretty convincing case for never leaving the property.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
The first objective will be to secure Champions League qualification, and do it in a more convincing fashion than last season.

— Andy Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of convincing

Verb

Without that foundation, the math Dimon and Scaramucci are describing simply does not hold in the American context.

— Dan Schawbel, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Prosecutors read records from the facility describing Clancy’s largely routine actions on her children’s birthdays and the anniversaries of the killings.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of describing

Verb

After Panettiere’s passing, Neutrogena released a statement saying the company is deeply saddened by her death.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
On the battlefield, Zelenskyy was optimistic, saying Ukraine had almost completely regained control of the Dnipropetrovsk region, with only about 10 square kilometers and three small villages remaining outside Ukrainian control.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of saying

Verb

And that’s not counting the thousands who have been laid off, retired early, moved out of state or changed careers, just to survive.

— Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Refinancing debt and counting all the savings from it upfront is a common one-time fix tactic used by past mayors to close gaps large and small.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of counting

Verb

Coach Todd Monken made the announcement Monday after informing Watson and Sanders.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
In December 2024, the FBI issued a notice to sports leagues informing teams and players of recent burglaries targeting professional athletes, CBS Sports reported.

— S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of informing

Verb

Investigators located an email sent from Bailey instructing Roell to change his name to successfully pass background checks to be hired in Forney, Raybould said.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026
The country's National Development and Reform Commission issued its decision in April, instructing the parties to withdraw the transaction.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of instructing

Adjective

Her brand-strategy background, paired with Ennismore’s hotel know-how (Luura is part of its Morgans Originals collection), makes for a pretty compelling combination.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Deep-sea expeditions offer access to a form of adventure that is both universally compelling and all but unreachable.

— Brett Berk, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of compelling

Browse Nearby Words

tellies

telling

telling (of)

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“Telling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/telling. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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