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
And at $798, the Hisense QD7 QLED 4K Smart TV is a pretty convincing one. Juhi Wadia, PCMAG, 14 Mar. 2025 Malkovich makes for a surprisingly convincing pop star in the mold of Elton John or Prince by way of David Bowie, and the Moretti songs written by super-producers Nile Rodgers and The-Dream are catchy. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 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
  • While Danish remains optimistic about potential Broadway interest, his current focus is on delivering a compelling and authentic portrayal at New World Stages.
    Court Stroud, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • 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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The big picture: The Nickel Plate Trail, a 10-foot-wide asphalt path running northeast from 42nd Street near Fall Creek Parkway through Castleton to the Hamilton County line at 96th Street near Hague Road, is the latest rail-to-trail conversion.
    Arika Herron, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Some studies show a potential for a 30% to 40% increase in sales by effectively reaching the right audience, building brand awareness and driving customer engagement, which ultimately leads to higher conversion rates and customer retention.
    Joe Ariganello, Forbes, 14 Mar. 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
  • For instance, the Zantac litigation was lost due to a lack of conclusive evidence.
    Arnold Sotelo, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • In a new interview with Classic Rock, bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson discussed the band’s conclusive world tour, which coincided with drummer Neil Peart‘s failing health.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Sales and Negotiation While AI transforms many aspects of business, the uniquely human arts of persuasion and relationship-building command ever-higher premiums.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • In some cases, persuasion and affinity simply aren’t enough to overcome national security concerns.
    Matthew Clary, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 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
  • This storm is bringing gusty winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms with lightning to Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay area.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Real intimacy lies in bringing your beautifully flawed self into the experience.
    Mark Travers, 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 23 Mar. 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!