Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of cogent are convincing, sound, telling, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

When can convincing be used instead of cogent?

The synonyms convincing and cogent 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 cogent?

The meanings of sound and cogent largely overlap; however, sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

When would telling be a good substitute for cogent?

While the synonyms telling and cogent are close in meaning, telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

In what contexts can valid take the place of cogent?

The words valid and cogent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent
a valid marriage

Examples 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 cogent Amid its frenzied storytelling, the film offers a cogent theory of modern masculinity: Men suck at communicating. Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024 Affleck excels here in a tremendously off-putting role (seemingly the one he was born to play), but the film’s most cogent, exciting moments come when Lonergan splits off to show us the town’s bizarre side characters. EW.com, 26 Sep. 2024 Ending this war will require a clear and cogent vision for a new security architecture for the region. Lise Morjé Howard, Foreign Affairs, 20 Mar. 2023 Often created through a long, laborious procedure from organic materials such as hemp, copper, wood, and even entire trees, her careful, cogent works possess a grounding evidence of their facture that sets them apart from the typically sleek, industrial-looking work of her Minimalist peers. News Desk, Artforum, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cogent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cogent
Adjective
  • One compelling player who is set to be a free agent come March is Javon Hargrave, a two-time Pro Bowler and South Carolina State alum.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Manson said more and more, people are seeking out aesthetically compelling drinks.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There are three unbeaten teams (UCLA, LSU and Ohio State), but only the Bruins boast a convincing victory over defending champion South Carolina, the lone loss the Gamecocks have taken in the last two seasons.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
  • But a win for the US government is the people’s loss, particularly as lawmakers have failed to meet this moment by adequately convincing citizens that TikTok needs to go.
    Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Cornell research found cycle thresholds, or Ct levels, higher than 35 in the sample, which indicates low viral levels; typically, experts look for levels under 20 as conclusive evidence that the virus is circulating.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
  • No conclusive proof that Musk is Dittmann appears to have emerged.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023

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Thesaurus Entries Near cogent

Cite this Entry

“Cogent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cogent. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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