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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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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as in instructing

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

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as in disclosing

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

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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

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 telling

Adjective

There was a telling moment on this point as Davis Gates left the WTTW studios Monday night. —

David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2024 And perhaps even more telling—the company raised its regular dividend, albeit by a penny per share, for the first time in years. —

Brett Owens, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

Verb

The organization represented Parents Protecting Our Children, a group that argued that the district violated parents’ religious freedom in not telling them about children’s trans identity. —

Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 10 Dec. 2024 China’s government is telling you that stimulus is coming, meaning you can either get involved or hope the rally fades. —

Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for telling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for telling

Adjective

The convincing win last month in Vancouver feels like a long time ago.

Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
And the Grizzlies stayed red-hot, walking away with a convincing 135-119 victory to extend their win streak to four games.

C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 14 Dec. 2024