CONVINCING Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

convincing 1 of 3

adjective

kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ

Definition of convincing next

as in compelling

having the power to persuade convincing evidence for the guilt of the accused

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in persuading

to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests we convinced him to keep silent about our activities until we could spring the surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Liverpool, courtesy of their convincing 2-0 win over Madrid, were the first to progress, with Barcelona following on Matchday 6 in December after a 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund. —

Eduardo Tansley, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 The storied rivalry between Billerica and Tewksbury motivated the unbeaten Indians to make a statement against the perennial power in a convincing 5-2 win in front of a raucous crowd on the road. —

Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2025

Verb

The singer plays the part of a smitten admirer whose best bet for not going home alone is convincing their crush to spend a little more time in their presence. —

Stephen Kearse, TIME, 9 Dec. 2024 The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series in convincing fashion following a dominant playoff run. —

Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convincing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for convincing

Adjective

Gates offers an incredibly compelling premise, shedding light on the scale of military propaganda in the United States, but in taking on so much, her film ends up not saying enough.

— Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025
And, in each of the film’s most compelling scenes, also a plea: to save them.

— Anna Tingley, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025

Definition of compelling

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“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of convincing

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noun

verb

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