convincing 1 of 3

convincing

2 of 3

noun

as in conversion
the act of reasoning or pleading with someone to accept a belief or course of action it will take a great deal of convincing to make them see our point of view

Synonyms & Similar Words

convincing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of convince

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of convincing are cogent, sound, telling, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

Where would cogent be a reasonable alternative to convincing?

In some situations, the words cogent and convincing are roughly equivalent. However, cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

When would sound be a good substitute for convincing?

While in some cases nearly identical to convincing, sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

When can telling be used instead of convincing?

The synonyms telling and convincing are sometimes interchangeable, but telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When is valid a more appropriate choice than convincing?

The words valid and convincing can be used in similar contexts, but 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 convincing
Adjective
Verify website URLs: Fake websites often look convincing but have slight differences in their URLs. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 6 Feb. 2025 Chiara’s impersonation is so convincing that people around her begin to believe. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
The singer plays the part of a smitten admirer whose best bet for not going home alone is convincing their crush to spend a little more time in their presence. Stephen Kearse, TIME, 9 Dec. 2024 The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series in convincing fashion following a dominant playoff run. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convincing 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Manning himself has found compelling, missed the cut in his first year of eligibility.
    Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The conversion of Ocean Drive will require the entire roadway between Fifth and 15th Street to be closed for two days while crews paint and re-stripe the road, the memo says.
    Martin Vassolo, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
  • An octopus occurs when a player scores a touchdown and the subsequent two-point conversion to account for all eight points.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • So instead of scientific breakthroughs, this campaign has relied on persuading millions of people to change basic behaviors.
    Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Baldwin staged the play in Istanbul, recruiting Cherry to compose music for it and persuading male actors to take up drag.
    Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • There’s simply not enough conclusive evidence to know precisely how these products influence cardiovascular health, Samantha Coogan, RDN, a nutrition sciences professor and director of the Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Health.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Now, researchers believe there is conclusive evidence the cave was home to cannibals.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • After all, the month begins on quite a serendipitous note — Venus will conjunct Neptune in your sign, heightening everything from your romantic desires and ideals to your whimsical charm and powers of persuasion.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • But the Gaza proposal should be seen in the context of a president who believes fervently in his own power of persuasion, who disdains traditional diplomacy, and whose Mideast envoy is a businessman with no experience in that field.
    Howard LaFranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The successful outcome for Perpetua Resources is especially impressive given the complex nature of the federal, state, and local permitting process, as well as the work involved in satisfying the concerns of local communities and the Nez Perz Tribe.
    David Blackmon, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Employees who cultivate relationships at work have a more fun and satisfying experience.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Christmas centers on humility and grace — the birth of a savior in the humblest of settings, bringing a hopeful message of personal redemption and universal love.
    Priscilla Whitehead, Sun Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Real intimacy lies in bringing your beautifully flawed self into the experience.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near convincing

Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on convincing

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