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

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

Price’s Harriet is tightly wound but never over the top so as to not be convincing, Stephens as the gun-toting First Lady commands the stage adding an ever so slight nuance of a certain familiar vice president. —Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025

However, as Kansas City playoff games tend to go, the Chiefs will go on a run, and won't look back in what ends up being a convincing win to clinch their seventh straight AFC Championship Game appearance. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 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