Thesaurus

telling

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

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of telling

(Entry 1 of 2)

having the power to persuade

presented us with telling evidence that convinced us he was right

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feeble,
weak

Antonyms for telling

telling

verb

present participle of tell

Synonyms & Antonyms of telling (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to give an oral or written account of in some detail

they told the story of how they had met

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Phrases Synonymous with telling

setting forth

2 to express (a thought or emotion) in words

just tell us what is in your heart

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Phrases Synonymous with telling

putting into words

Near Antonyms for telling

3 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?

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recounting

4 to give information to

tell me, when did you begin playing the violin?

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5 to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority

told us to sit still and wait

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Antonyms for telling

6 to make known (as information previously kept secret)

I won't tell your secret to anyone

Synonyms for telling

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Phrases Synonymous with telling

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Antonyms for telling

Frequently Asked Questions About telling

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