convincing

1 of 2

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

convincing

2 of 2

present participle of convince

Synonyms of convincing

Adjective

• compelling
• conclusive
• strong

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

Adjective

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

Adjective

Amazon may not be the first place that comes to mind when shopping for a new fall handbag, but October Prime Day (aka Prime Big Deal Days) is making a convincing argument for reconsidering that order of operations. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

The Times’ business columnist Michael Hiltzik did a convincing breakdown and rebuttal to Friedersdorf. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Rebecca and Higgins’s fake fight is pretty convincing, even if that sort of conflict is pretty rare on Ted Lasso. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026

But with the Pro at just a $100 premium over the Pixel 11 right now instead of $200, its superior cameras alone is a pretty convincing reason to spend more. — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for convincing

• evincing
• mincing
• rinsing
• wincing
• unconvincing

Kids Definition

convincing

adjective

con·​vinc·​ing kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ 

: causing one to believe or agree

convincingly

-siŋ-lē 

adverb