Convincing
adjective /kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/ — Able to make you believe — having the quality of establishing truth in the listener's mind.
Definition
Capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real; providing evidence sufficient to persuade; made to seem credible.
Beyond the definition
Convincing describes what happens when persuasion succeeds — the other person's internal model of truth is updated. The convincing argument works because it's true, or because it's well constructed, or both. The difference matters.
Origin & history
From Latin convincere — to overcome completely (com: completely + vincere: to conquer). Completely conquering — convincing as the victory of the argument over doubt.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The alibi was convincing — too convincing, which made her suspicious.
He was convincing because he believed what he was saying; conviction is the most effective rhetoric.
A convincing lie is more dangerous than an obvious one — it survives scrutiny.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Convincing” when the meaning fits your context: Capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real; providing evidence sufficient to persuade; made to seem credible.
Synonyms
Antonyms
unconvincing, dubious, implausible
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Team Leadership and Planning
An experienced leader reviews a model and map with colleagues, their posture composed and thoughtful.
The leader’s calm, composed review of the model acts as a convincing display of authority and preparation. By presenting a well-thought-out plan to colleagues, they provide evidence of their expertise, making their vision for the team feel credible and believable.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Convincing" mean?
Convincing is adjective meaning: Able to make you believe — having the quality of establishing truth in the listener's mind.. Capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real; providing evidence sufficient to persuade; made to seem credible.
Where does the word "Convincing" come from?
From Latin convincere — to overcome completely (com: completely + vincere: to conquer). Completely conquering — convincing as the victory of the argument over doubt.