TELLING Synonyms: 281 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'telling' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of telling are cogent , convincing , sound , and valid . While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter. // a telling example of bureaucratic waste

Q: When would 'cogent' be a good substitute for 'telling'?

Although the words cogent and telling have much in common, cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation. // the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

Q: When is it sensible to use 'convincing' instead of 'telling'?

The synonyms convincing and telling are sometimes interchangeable, but convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept. // a convincing argument for welfare reform

Q: When is 'sound' a more appropriate choice than 'telling'?

The words sound and telling can be used in similar contexts, but sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds. // a sound proposal for reviving the economy

Q: Where would 'valid' be a reasonable alternative to 'telling'?

While the synonyms valid and telling are close in meaning, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority. // a valid reason for being absent // a valid marriage

telling 1 of 2

adjective

ˈte-liŋ

Definition of telling

as in convincing

having the power to persuade presented us with telling evidence that convinced us he was right

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

telling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of tell

as in describing

to give an oral or written account of in some detail they told the story of how they had met

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in saying

to express (a thought or emotion) in words just tell us what is in your heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in counting

to find the sum of (a collection of things) by noting each one as it is being added who can tell the number of grains of sand in the world?

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in informing

to give information to tell me, when did you begin playing the violin?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in instructing

to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority told us to sit still and wait

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disclosing

to make known (as information previously kept secret) I won't tell your secret to anyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word telling different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of telling are cogent, convincing, sound, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When would cogent be a good substitute for telling?

Although the words cogent and telling have much in common, cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

When is it sensible to use convincing instead of telling?

The synonyms convincing and telling are sometimes interchangeable, but convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

When is sound a more appropriate choice than telling?

The words sound and telling can be used in similar contexts, but sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

Where would valid be a reasonable alternative to telling?

While the synonyms valid and telling are close in meaning, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent

a valid marriage

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 telling

Adjective

The Hurricanes’ performance on Friday was pretty telling, too. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 The farm equipment just went up for auction, and the timing couldn’t be more telling. — Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

Turning paying ticket buyers into political punching bags and telling colleagues to shut up is terrible business and toxic for basketball. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 But the head of the FAA is telling you the problem is design. — Vincent E. Bianco Iii, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for telling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for telling

Adjective

An argument made a fortiori gives an even more convincing reason than one that has already been accepted.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Magnetic enough to hold her own against two major acting talents and an exhausting parade of special effects, the young performer maintains a convincing sense of agency even as Bela’s surroundings become physically overwhelming.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of convincing

Verb

Feigenbaum offered a more cautious interpretation, describing some of the violent perpetrators as fringe provocateurs who exploit broader demonstrations without necessarily directing them.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Massillon’s courage Throughout the attacks, Massillon was the first official to alert journalists, describing the deteriorating security situation while also appealing for help.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of describing

Verb

Chick-fil-A is bucking a growing fast-food industry trend, with CEO Andrew Cathy saying the chicken chain does not plan to use artificial intelligence to take customers' drive-thru orders.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
On Thursday, the broadcaster added to Maniscalco’s response in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, confirming the timeline and saying Raw Comedy was put out to pasture because of low ratings.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of saying

Verb

The White House press office sent letters to the news organizations on September 22, informing them of the reasons and their ability to contest the action, but that was four days after the ban was implemented.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Even her good friend Gizelle knew, and chose to gossip with Ashley instead of privately informing Tia off camera.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of informing

Verb

Burki also said when a holding room approaches capacity, an email is sent to field crews instructing them not to bring additional people in.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Lecornu gathered law enforcement officials and government ministers for the emergency meeting, instructing his minister to cancel planned trips until the crisis is sufficiently addressed.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of instructing

Verb

The drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in March, so the company isn't disclosing exact revenue figures.

— Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
It’s led creatives to walk a tricky line between the wish to experiment with AI and the havoc disclosing its use can wreak.

— Corbin Bolies, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of disclosing

Browse Nearby Words

tellies

telling

telling (of)

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Style

“Telling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/telling. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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