convincing

adjective

con·​vinc·​ing kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ How to pronounce convincing (audio)
Synonyms of convincingnext
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 How to pronounce convincing (audio)
adverb
convincingness noun

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
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
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.
Nobody’s story — not Ingram’s, not Awuah-Darko’s, not Wiley’s — looks completely convincing from the outside. —Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024 The app looks convincing, complete with logos and familiar user interface elements. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The drug puts the mind’s ability to create immersive, convincing models of the world on full display — the very same thing our minds do during ordinary consciousness (and dreams). —Oshan Jarow, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 Related Stories ‘Saturday Night Live’ Highlights: Vice President Kamala Harris Plays Opposite Vice President Kamala Harris Russell and Sewell display a convincing intimacy that is great fun to watch. —Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convincing 

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of convincing was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near convincing

convincement

convincing

convive

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convincing. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

convincing

adjective
con·​vinc·​ing kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ How to pronounce convincing (audio)
: causing one to believe or agree
convincingly
-siŋ-lē How to pronounce convincing (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on convincing

Nglish: Translation of convincing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of convincing for Arabic Speakers

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