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

And when your margin for error is nil, a convincing, one-sided victory can flip in an instant, apparently. —Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024

Even after a convincing 40-7 triumph over the Patriots, Harbaugh remains adamant that his influence within the Chargers organization had little to do with the turnaround season. —David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024

But the acting here, at any rate, is uniformly good, and convincing, and adds to the suspenseful question of whether a character who happens to own a sharp-pronged metal fork will decide to use it as a utensil or a weapon. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

Though the fight scenes are convincing and enthusiastically staged, arguably the best part of the movie comes after Claressa’s first triumph. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 24 Dec. 2024

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