convincing

adjective

con·​vinc·​ing kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ 

1

: satisfying or assuring by argument or proof

a convincing test of a new product

2

: having power to convince of the truth, rightness, or reality of something : plausible

told a convincing story

convincingly

kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ-lē 

adverb

convincingness noun

Synonyms

• cogent
• compelling
• conclusive
• decisive
• effective
• forceful
• persuasive
• satisfying
• strong
• telling

Choose the Right Synonym for convincing

valid, sound, cogent, convincing, telling mean having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance.

valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent

a valid marriage

sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

Examples of convincing in a Sentence

Your argument isn't very convincing.

They make a convincing case for reform.

There is no convincing evidence to support his theory.

Recent Examples on the Web

The convincing win last month in Vancouver feels like a long time ago. —Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024

And the Grizzlies stayed red-hot, walking away with a convincing 135-119 victory to extend their win streak to four games. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 14 Dec. 2024

Cybercriminals are now able to design more convincing phishing attempts, automate the process of finding vulnerabilities and even mimic legitimate user behavior to evade detection. —Vijay Pitchumani, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Show always beats tell, and a ride like this is far more convincing than any explanation of how the tech works. —Ben Oliver, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

convincing

adjective

con·​vinc·​ing kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ 

: causing one to believe or agree

convincingly

-siŋ-lē 

adverb