convincing

adjective

con·​vinc·​ing kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ 

1

: satisfying or assuring by argument or proof

a convincing test of a new product

2

: having power to convince of the truth, rightness, or reality of something : plausible

told a convincing story

convincingly

kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ-lē 

adverb

convincingness noun

Synonyms

• cogent
• compelling
• conclusive
• decisive
• effective
• forceful
• persuasive
• satisfying
• strong
• telling

Choose the Right Synonym for convincing

valid, sound, cogent, convincing, telling mean having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance.

valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent

a valid marriage

sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

Examples of convincing in a Sentence

Your argument isn't very convincing.

They make a convincing case for reform.

There is no convincing evidence to support his theory.

Recent Examples on the Web

Though, tripling a guy’s salary and paying him seven figures is certainly a convincing place to start. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025

Proxy battles don’t bring trophies, but for Kyle Shanahan, Robert Saleh, John Lynch, and the Niners, the Eagles and Chiefs winning provides a convincing argument that San Francisco isn’t far away from contending again. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025

Today’s attackers have access to so much information that can be plugged into generative AI tools, enabling them to produce convincing outputs that mimic genuine interactions and increase their chances at deceiving their victims. —Mike Britton, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Drivers in Virginia, Massachusetts and several other states across the country are being targeted with a convincing new text scam. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

convincing

adjective

con·​vinc·​ing kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ 

: causing one to believe or agree

convincingly

-siŋ-lē 

adverb