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 of convincing

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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.
For years, Vladimir Putin has had a convincing rebuttal to anyone who thought Western sanctions would bring his country to its knees. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 July 2026 But his explanation for the causes of America’s gerontocracy is less convincing. — Peter Gosselin, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 Instead of abstract phishing examples, show employees how much of their own digital footprint is publicly available and how easily fraudsters can turn it into a convincing fake profile, email or message. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Beatriz, however, makes a convincing case for those disparate elements actually belonging together. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026 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

Rhymes for convincing

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Browse Nearby Words

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convincing
convincingly
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Cite this Entry

“Convincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convincing. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

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