convincing 1 of 3

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

Examples 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
There’s moaning, hair flicking, and some seriously convincing sighs. Olivia Petter, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2025 But a win for the US government is the people’s loss, particularly as lawmakers have failed to meet this moment by adequately convincing citizens that TikTok needs to go. Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 15 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
  • Miami Herald Linda Robertson has written about a variety of compelling subjects during an award-winning career.
    Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • After the Eagles tied the score with a touchdown and two-point conversion — both on Jalen Hurts runs — with 5:15 left in the fourth quarter, Mahomes engineered a game-winning field goal drive.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The Eagles had a 87.1% conversion rate with the Tush Push for three years with Jason Kelce at center, per Next Gen Stats.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • So instead of scientific breakthroughs, this campaign has relied on persuading millions of people to change basic behaviors.
    Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Baldwin staged the play in Istanbul, recruiting Cherry to compose music for it and persuading male actors to take up drag.
    Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • While no conclusive evidence connects the dye to cancer in humans, its potential risks have led to bans or severe restrictions in several countries, including the European Union, Australia and Japan.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • This absence of alarm is not conclusive proof that democracy is safe forever, nor that Trump cannot damage American democracy at all.
    Victor Menaldo, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Carter’s trust in his own ingenuity, persistence, and persuasion, as well as his trust in God, were brought into question.
    Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2024
  • Matching interests is closely related to pathos, the appeal to the emotions of the audience, and is one of the three essential elements of persuasion set down by Aristotle over two millennia ago.
    Jerry Weissman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The successful outcome for Perpetua Resources is especially impressive given the complex nature of the federal, state, and local permitting process, as well as the work involved in satisfying the concerns of local communities and the Nez Perz Tribe.
    David Blackmon, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Employees who cultivate relationships at work have a more fun and satisfying experience.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
Verb
  • Adam Digby is the Juventus correspondent for Forbes and is Serie A writer, bringing you the biggest and best stories that Italian football has to offer.
    Adam Digby, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Nine states from Virginia to Maine are under snow alerts on Christmas Eve morning as a band of snow moves through the Northeast, bringing treacherous driving conditions.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 24 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near convincing

Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convincing. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on convincing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!