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

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

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
Expulsion is extremely rare If the case against Cherfilus-McCormick were not convincing, there would have been a Democratic dissenter, but none was announced. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026 As two snotty rich girls, Kate Vernon and Emily Longstreth are positively princess, convincing in their cool bitchiness. Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
There is enormous pressure on these companies to optimize AI to make money in the short term by convincing people to use it, rather than advance science or cure disease in the long term, and to create systems that entirely replace workers rather than merely help them. J. Xavier Prochaska, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026 So Windley agreed, and the two men accompanied him to the store, convincing the manager to go along with the transaction. John Annese, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • Tom Hanks won the Academy Award for Best Actor at the 67th Academy Awards in 1995, but the stories behind Forrest Gump remain as compelling as the film itself.
    Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The stock is down 30% in the past six months, but remains compelling at current levels, Bank of America said.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Formatting is preserved during conversions, which is critical for business and professional use.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But when the game ended in a Rams loss that included a controversial two-point conversion call, Nacua repeated his criticisms of the officials on social media.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Ever since the first caveman tricked his neighbor into trading a pile of rocks for some tasty mastodon steaks, con men have been persuading others to act against their own interests.
    Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
  • For Fahey and Lawler, the fair emerged from years spent persuading friends and collectors to visit the region.
    Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The research isn’t conclusive, however.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The broader data is less conclusive on mental health benefits, said West, perhaps because participants get anxious about the programs ending, coupled with the rising cost of living.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In order to stave off potentially bruising losses in November, Republicans of all persuasions are working to get on the same messaging page to pitch voters on why their party should stay fully in power over the next few years.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • McCoy emphasized that the desire to incorporate more democratic oversight on the growth and development of artificial intelligence should unite people from all political persuasions who often otherwise disagree with each other.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the Light Mount's volume knob is easy to access and satisfying to use, a much more intuitive design than the volume roller on the pricier Dark Mount.
    Aubrey Jowers, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Serve it with rice and watercress for a complete, satisfying meal.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The legislation has stalled amid strong pushback from critics.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Kodai Senga got the ball for the Mets and turned in a strong performance in his season debut.
    James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Another cold front will push through the area on Easter Sunday, bringing rain and much cooler temperatures than Saturday.
    Bill Kelly, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Cleaver, for his part, has also been hailed for bringing money back to Kansas City.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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