UNCONVINCING Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

unconvincing

adjective

ˌən-kən-ˈvin(t)-siŋ

Definition of unconvincing

as in incredulous

too extraordinary or improbable to believe the excuse for her tardiness was too unconvincing to be accepted

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 unconvincing The novelist and journalist Mary McCarthy, by contrast, is discussed at length, though her inclusion even in the second sense seems unconvincing. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 Judge Sweeney found this defense unconvincing; the presence of both athletes who stay in school past their NCAA eligibility and incoming freshmen arguably creates more, not less, competition. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Aug. 2026 This discovery stunned de Man’s colleagues and students, and was particularly traumatic for Derrida, who attempted a tortured but ultimately unconvincing reckoning with what his friend had written as a young man. — Literary Hub, 30 July 2026 This is not to say that the journey Nolan takes is not worthwhile, nor Damon’s performance is unconvincing. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconvincing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconvincing

Adjective

The title comes from a phrase that became part of his creative vocabulary and began appearing in sketches whenever an absurd situation called for a perfectly incredulous response.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Girot’s son-in-law, a physician, was incredulous and ordered him to see his primary-care doctor.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of incredulous

Adjective

Within a few years, Torra was playing in metal bands across Long Island, belting out songs by Skid Row, Cinderella, Ratt, and yes, Quiet Riot, with incredible power and force.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
There are so many incredible materials for artists here, all for free.

— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of incredible

Adjective

The political situation in the United States may have made the prospect of an American pope seem even more unlikely.

— Scott Detrow, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
The Justice Department argued the outlets are unlikely to succeed on their claims and urged Kelly to deny their request for a preliminary injunction.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of unlikely

Adjective

In a moment when global power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of weird men with a lot of relationship drama, War doesn’t ever seem too implausible.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
In fact, this scenario would have been implausible until the last couple of years.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of implausible

Adjective

The technique has revolutionized neuroscience by opening up the brain's activity to scientists in ways previously impossible.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2026
These Chargers have 13 games left, and identifying potential wins on the remaining schedule is a nearly impossible task.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of impossible

Adjective

That’s the only real update beyond what has already been announced, including cornerback Xavier Lucas still being out after initially being deemed questionable earlier in the week.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
Rob Blanchard, spokesman for Lamont’s reelection campaign, countered Wednesday that Fazio recently proposed a questionable income tax-cutting plan that could weaken the state’s strong financial reputation.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of questionable

Adjective

Part of me feels a little bad about making people like Probyn, who are insanely talented, do such ridiculous things, but that’s sort of the gig.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2026
In fact, even before the show actually starts, Bob can be exhausted, having been awake since some ridiculous hour.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of ridiculous

Adjective

But while critics deemed the character overly simplistic and an ultimately unbelievable representation of evil (Cathy is an allegory for the serpent in the garden of Eden, after all), Pugh and Kazan, however, took a very different approach.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026
The barking bunch performed unbelievable tricks in sync with music and choreography, leading to their victory.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of unbelievable

Browse Nearby Words

unconvinced

unconvincing

uncooked

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unconvincing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconvincing. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unconvincing

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Luddite

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes