convincing 1 of 3

Definition of convincingnext

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
Their semi-final second-leg comeback victory against Arsenal was arguably the most convincing embodiment of Lyon at full tilt, in full industrial swagger mode. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 23 May 2026 Barnard attended the ceremony with Soprano, Lola’s female stand-in and a convincing lookalike, who accepted the collar with considerable enthusiasm and even more considerable wriggling. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
Verb
However, short of somehow convincing a majority of the homeowners to amend the CC&Rs and revise the assessment allocation, your HOA’s current assessment allocation is unlikely to change. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026 Kerr spent the better part of a half-hour convincing the media of that on Friday. Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
  • But birds are arguably the most compelling example because, for them, UV light is deeply integrated into everyday life.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • The concierge takes responsibility for all the aspects of cross-selling that customer-facing staff may be reticent to undertake, such as conversion tracking and knowing all the key internal contacts.
    Marty Dauer, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
  • In his writings, her husband celebrated her conversion to the Anglican faith.
    Peter C. Mancall, The Conversation, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • Those include persuading a critical number of merchants to accept payments from agents, while also determining who is responsible for failed and fraudulent transactions.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 27 May 2026
  • Candidate Brenda Lee Anderson, a Northwestern University researcher, noted that a key challenge has been persuading those without children in Chicago Public Schools that the school board is worth their attention.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • The jobs apocalypse is not yet here, but governments waiting for conclusive evidence of it will be acting too late.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 24 May 2026
  • However, no conclusive evidence ever surfaced to confirm those claims.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • The power of friendship, the power of persuasion.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
  • Cue’s recognition at the festival of creativity that is rooted in advertising and marketing conversations, along with all the related ad-tech, fin-tech and AI-powered tech that accompany the business of persuasion and reaching consumers with content.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Light, refreshing, and summery, this elegant but satisfying shrimp salad is ready in minutes and can be made ahead and served chilled.
    Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2026
  • The key to a sweaty-and-satisfying workout?
    Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Lost in all the offense was the strong pitching performance from Tyson Bobo, who won his second game in the playoffs and improved to 6-3 on the season.
    John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
  • De Zerbi has been in the job for less than two months but quickly forged a strong bond with his players, as shown by those full-time scenes.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • The New Year eventually came, bringing with it fresh hopes and prayers and celebrations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
  • Fresh Market of Northtown Plans for a brand new, full-service grocery store in North Kansas City moved forward Tuesday evening, making the city one step closer to accomplishing a years-long goal of bringing a new grocer to the area.
    Ian Cummings, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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