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
Newcastle’s competitive insurgency is pretty convincing — if only Europe’s elite would buy into it. Phil Hay, New York Times, 29 July 2025 This year’s turnaround has been convincing, and the extension will give Hoyer more freedom to deal before Thursday’s trade deadline, where the Cubs are targeting starters and relievers. Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 29 July 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
  • Having grown up just outside the city—and after a professional chapter in New York—he’s returned to find a design scene that’s evolved in compelling ways.
    Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Watkins’ commitment to teaching science started back in fifth grade, when her science teacher, Joy Ward-Drew, sparked an interest through her compelling teaching style and nurturing skills.
    Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • If driving sales is the priority, give precedence to conversion rates online and/or sales lift in-store.
    Tamara Bebb, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Albert Pro’s strong conversion and engagement results have laid the groundwork for the Zoe Pro.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The agency has sued companies for persuading veterans to sell their pension and disability payments, for charging military families more than thirty-six per cent interest on pawn loans, and for misleading servicemembers to take costly cash-out refinance loans on their homes.
    E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The Bears don’t appear to be having much trouble persuading offensive players to come to Chicago after hiring Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator.
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But to date, there is no conclusive evidence that RL endows LLMs with reasoning capabilities that generalize beyond easily verifiable domains like math and coding.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
  • Typically, dermatologists aren’t huge fans of using supplements to boost collagen stores, because there’s no conclusive evidence to show that collagen peptides actually make their way to the skin.
    Hannah Coates, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The scenarios that Araujo’s team are devising are complex, filled with high-stakes challenges, tests of bravery and morale, and situations that call for using powers of persuasion and deduction.
    Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Liberals must turn to more humble but still powerful instruments: persuasion and demonstration.
    STACIE E. GODDARD, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 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
  • 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
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
  • According to a forecast from Bank of America Securities, consumers are expected to spend 7% more in 2024 than in 2023, bringing their average anticipated spending up to nearly $2,100.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on convincing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!