telling 1 of 2

telling

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verb

present participle of tell
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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

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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
Manager Engagement Shapes Organizational Output One of the most telling findings from Gallup’s 2025 version of their report is the drop in manager engagement (download required). Heather Yerrid, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Week 1 is nearly here, and the first outing against the New York Jets will be very telling. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
But a scene with Hank and Alma gives us an indication of who is telling the truth. Barry Levitt, Time, 17 Oct. 2025 Lo refuses, telling Carrie that Richard is using her. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for telling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for telling
Adjective
  • Scammers piece these details together to build convincing attacks.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Scammers today can craft convincing emails that look exactly like those from customer support teams – addressed to you personally, written in perfect English, and offering help with everyday tasks.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Since their 23-9 win Sunday against the Browns, the Steelers have not minced words when describing the playing surface for the game.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Velasquez, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured and has not been charged in what officials are describing as an accident on a dark road.
    Susan Young, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Earnings calls are typically a masterclass in how to get away with saying as little as possible.
    Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Anfernee laughed while saying his mom was his savior in such situations.
    Jay King, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks are counting on it.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The Aggies are 5-1 overall, not counting an opening-night game against Mercer in the FCS Kickoff Classic in Alabama that was halted because of nearby lightning strikes with the Aggies leading 23-17 in the fourth quarter.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Most people start by informing either their HR department or their direct supervisor.
    Jamie Ducharme, Health, 17 Oct. 2025
  • But Schneider walked to the mound with every past conversation catalogued in his mind, with every lesson informing each step.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Other workers received robo-calls instructing them not to come to work, said Greg Ball, president of the Nor Cal Beverage Employees’ Union and 17-year employee of the plant.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • In the meantime, the group encouraged voluntary compliance by instructing financial managers to pause all trades.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By suddenly disclosing its true holdings, China could drive up gold prices while signaling stronger backing for the renminbi, thus weakening the dollar’s global clout.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
  • None of this requires disclosing the weights or the particular data that gave the model its power.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Reducing their reliance on the grid, then, would involve compelling utilities to leave PJM, or securing electricity from alternative sources.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Telling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/telling. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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