TELLING Synonyms: 281 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'telling' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of telling are cogent , convincing , sound , and valid . While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter. // a telling example of bureaucratic waste

Q: When would 'cogent' be a good substitute for 'telling'?

Although the words cogent and telling have much in common, cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation. // the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

Q: When is it sensible to use 'convincing' instead of 'telling'?

The synonyms convincing and telling are sometimes interchangeable, but convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept. // a convincing argument for welfare reform

Q: When is 'sound' a more appropriate choice than 'telling'?

The words sound and telling can be used in similar contexts, but sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds. // a sound proposal for reviving the economy

Q: Where would 'valid' be a reasonable alternative to 'telling'?

While the synonyms valid and telling are close in meaning, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority. // a valid reason for being absent // a valid marriage

telling 1 of 2

adjective

ˈte-liŋ

Definition of telling next

as in convincing

having the power to persuade presented us with telling evidence that convinced us he was right

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

telling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of tell

as in describing

to give an oral or written account of in some detail they told the story of how they had met

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as in saying

to express (a thought or emotion) in words just tell us what is in your heart

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as in counting

to find the sum of (a collection of things) by noting each one as it is being added who can tell the number of grains of sand in the world?

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as in informing

to give information to tell me, when did you begin playing the violin?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in instructing

to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority told us to sit still and wait

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disclosing

to make known (as information previously kept secret) I won't tell your secret to anyone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word telling different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of telling are cogent, convincing, sound, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When would cogent be a good substitute for telling?

Although the words cogent and telling have much in common, cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

When is it sensible to use convincing instead of telling?

The synonyms convincing and telling are sometimes interchangeable, but convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

When is sound a more appropriate choice than telling?

The words sound and telling can be used in similar contexts, but sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

Where would valid be a reasonable alternative to telling?

While the synonyms valid and telling are close in meaning, 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 telling

Adjective

But the more telling tip of the hat is a couple of covers of songs associated with Waylon Jennings, the father of the album’s producer. —

Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 6 Apr. 2026 The most telling development is internal. —

Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026

Verb

Rectangular fast-moving carts won’t inconvenience you by telling you to move out of the way and zipping past. —

Miami Herald, 19 May 2026 No need telling that to Scottie Scheffler, who struggled all weekend to make short putts. —

ABC News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for telling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for telling

Adjective

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary and one of Labour’s more convincing politicians, was one of several ministers who asked the Prime Minister to set a timetable for his departure.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
The recreations were so convincing that visitors from Tennessee believed the film had shot on location.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 May 2026

Definition of convincing

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tellies

telling

telling (of)

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Style

“Telling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/telling. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of telling

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