Synonyms of cogent

cogent

adjective

ˈkō-jənt 

as in compelling

having the power to persuade

the results of the DNA fingerprinting were the most cogent evidence for acquittal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compelling
• convincing
• conclusive
• strong
• persuasive
• valid
• effective
• decisive
• satisfying
• forceful
• definitive
• authoritative
• telling
• important
• relevant
• sound
• significant
• pertinent
• well-founded
• weighty
• material

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unconvincing
• ineffective
• inconclusive
• unpersuasive
• unsound
• indecisive
• shaky
• unfounded
• invalid
• groundless
• uncompelling
• insignificant
• unimportant
• irrelevant
• inconsequential
• immaterial
• feeble
• weak

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cogent

The entries tell us that the contest engaged the city’s upper class, those who were newspaper readers and articulate enough to write a cogent letter. —Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2025

Rodriguez did not realize yet that the barely cogent man was Scott Anderson, Club 33’s most notoriously outspoken member. —Justine Harman, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025

Less a series of biographies and more a cogent analysis of the evolution of the role of first lady, this book provides an eminently readable introduction to the women who have filled this role. —Kayla Randall, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Dec. 2024

Too much chasing after money and success, too much pandering to the popular taste, too much weight on ideology or politics or dogma of any stripe, and God, in the cogent phrase of Quincy Jones, walks out of the room. —Donna Tartt, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!