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
If that wasn’t enough convincing for you, this mist also protects hair against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and soothes your scalp with Lactobacillus ferment. Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026 But Khanna’s reasoning—essentially, that the intense public interest in the files demands transparency and that the American public can be trusted to be judicious with unverified claims therein—is not very convincing. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
If my love letter and before and after photos aren’t convincing enough, there’s also the titular serum it's infused with. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026 But prosecutors might have a difficult time convincing a jury that the five defendants are guilty of murder, said Linda Parisi, a defense attorney based in Sacramento. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convincing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing
Adjective
  • Perhaps the most compelling moment of the 2026 NFL Draft came in the final round, when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected running back Eli Heidenreich and the pick was announced to the hometown crowd gathered at the event.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • This one has persisted long enough to stand tall as arguably the most compelling of the 2020s.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This strategic move is backed by internal DressX’s own data, which indicates that users who engage with virtual try-on features see a tenfold increase in conversion rates compared to those who do not.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Now, Musk's lawyers are set to argue that Altman and others enriched themselves illegally through that for-profit conversion.
    John Ruwitch, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • My hero Carol Loomis provided a great service in persuading her pal to share what become justly honored as the Buffett Indicator with all of us.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Flock has become increasingly controversial, with communities across the country persuading their local governments to cancel their contracts, though the number is still dwarfed by how many cities renew their agreements with Flock every year.
    Kevin Collier, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The research is not conclusive on the use of GLP-1 and Alzheimer’s, but some preliminary data is encouraging.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Experts as a whole say more research is needed to give a conclusive answer about benefits and risks.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Its founding was the result of about 20 years of work and persuasion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
  • While in its infancy, radio advertising was seen as an influential funding source for publicity and persuasion.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • At the core of the story is the certainty that revenge, while occasionally satisfying on a gut level, is corrosive to the soul and not, in fact, a reliable way to meet lifelong pals.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In a competitive market, where streamers continue to invest in originals, commercial networks are strong and imports rate well, the result was satisfying for NRK.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Jessica Chmielewski, Colleen Gartlan and Ella Riordan led a strong defensive effort in front of Noone.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Set one clear boundary today and confirm expectations so your commitments stay strong and manageable.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Moon moves through your 11th House of Community, bringing attention to group dynamics and shared spaces.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Rather than venturing far, consider bringing the experience to you.
    Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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