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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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

Oblak had two more telling contributions, saving first from Raphinha in the 87th minute after another fantastic Pedri pass… … before another save a minute later from the Spaniard after he was set up by Dani Olmo. —

Pol Ballús, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024 Nobody needs to remind Loyola Blakefield football coach Blake Henry about one of the most telling stats in recent Turkey Bowl history. —

Rich Scherr, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024

Verb

When her mother returned to Clinton, Andrea never considered telling her what had happened. —

Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 Unfortunately, many in the United States may even question whether CENTCOM is telling the truth. —

Peter Suciu, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for telling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for telling

Adjective

There are three unbeaten teams (UCLA, LSU and Ohio State), but only the Bruins boast a convincing victory over defending champion South Carolina, the lone loss the Gamecocks have taken in the last two seasons.

Chris Branch, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
This real-time portfolio can be more convincing to potential employers than a static list of accomplishments.

Jack Kelly, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025