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

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 convincing
Adjective
Kodjoe, on the other hand, needed a bit more convincing. Esther Kang, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024 The winner is in the playoff, but the only realistic route left for either team to earn a bye (and the extra $4 million that comes with it) would be to combine that win — preferably a convincing one — with a loss by the Atlantic Coast Conference leader, No. 8 SMU, which plays No. 17 Clemson. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
Of these three teams, Ole Miss has the smallest likelihood of convincing the voters to let them in, as their statement win against Georgia is not enough to overlook last week’s stumble against Florida and the worst in conference play to Kentucky. Tyler Small, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 Challenges To Anticipate In my experience working with mortgage servicers, the biggest challenge with AI deployment is often convincing executives to feel comfortable using it with customers. Rishi Choudhary, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convincing 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • And perhaps that’s what makes this message from Dr. Daniel Crosby so compelling— these three words matter so much within the context of our personal and financial growth because these aren’t just three nice ideas that give us a momentary sense of pleasure.
    Tim Maurer, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • One of the most compelling ways to infuse a bedroom with character is to be fearless when trying new trends.
    Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Only an incomplete and potential game-winning 2-point conversion attempt by rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler to tight end Juwan Johnson eliminated cries of robbery from the visiting locker room.
    Ben Standig, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The company blamed worsened consumer sentiment in China for driving further softening in overall prestige beauty in mainland China and low conversion rates in Asia travel retail and Hong Kong.
    Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Data can be an important element for persuading your audience and adding color to your story.
    George Baker Sr., Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
  • Your credibility can be the difference between persuading an audience and losing their trust.
    John Hall, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The Atomic Energy Commission's investigation was not conclusive.
    Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024
  • No data is conclusive as to what form of garlic might be best for colds.
    Nancy LeBrun, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Debate around the contentious bill, which will continue to be discussed in Parliament in the run up to the vote, has prompted an uncommon outpouring of politicians’ emotions and moral persuasions in a political system where voting usually happens along party lines.
    David Hodari, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2024
  • This millennia-old method is used by elite performers of all persuasions.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The agency’s new model is at the forefront of marketing innovation, but its values also contribute to satisfying outcomes.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Marketers have always focused on first satisfying functional needs before moving on to emotional ones.
    Billee Howard, Forbes, 10 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
Verb
  • Companies should focus on bringing their staff together and empowering them to succeed.
    Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Many Syrians, both at home and abroad, have been overcome by shock and jubilation at the news that President Bashar al-Assad fled the country — bringing an end to more than 50 years of brutal rule by him and his family.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 11 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 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on convincing

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