as in convincing
having the power to persuade
presented us with telling evidence that convinced us he was right
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
as in informing
to give information to
tell me, when did you begin playing the violin?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
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
6
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of telling
Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
This is a telling moment for those of us who have not watched Dr. Will on Big Brother.
—Laura Bradley, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025
Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Unfortunately, many in the United States may even question whether CENTCOM is telling the truth.
—Peter Suciu, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for telling
Adjective
The Red Sox's decision to have this tough conversation with Devers may be more telling, though.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
This is a telling moment for those of us who have not watched Dr. Will on Big Brother.
—Laura Bradley, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
When her mother returned to Clinton, Andrea never considered telling her what had happened.
—Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Unfortunately, many in the United States may even question whether CENTCOM is telling the truth.
—Peter Suciu, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for telling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for telling
Adjective
-
More sophisticated and convincing decoys have also been deployed.—
Vikram Mittal,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Their authenticity and personality were gone, along with any chance of connecting with the voters who needed convincing.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Kovac does not hide behind a veil when describing his work.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
-
A couple of hours after the shooting, a man reportedly reacting to a text falsely describing an active shooter at Sky Harbor arrived at the airport with numerous firearms and was arrested after a brief altercation with Phoenix police, Reeson said.—
Michelle Cruz,
The Arizona Republic,
25 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Worst practices In-house production has been reduced or outsourced, and in 2023 Elsevier began using AI during production without informing the board, resulting in many style and formatting errors, as well as reversing versions of papers that had already been accepted and formatted by the editors.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
Ars Technica,
30 Dec. 2024
-
That’s what happened when Slay, sidelined for three fourth-quarter plays, ran back onto the field after informing one defensive back coach but not the other.—
Brooks Kubena,
The Athletic,
22 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Lamont Westmoreland said the scam appears to work by sending recipients a text message saying the ticket needs to be addressed to avoid a late fee and instructing them to click a link.—
Alison Dirr,
Journal Sentinel,
30 Dec. 2024
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The report includes WhatsApp messages that appear to show Sara Netanyahu instructing a former aide to organize protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in her husband's corruption trial.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Consumers are also now smart enough to know when some brands use excessive sugars, sweeteners, dyes, artificial colors, preservatives or fake aging techniques without disclosing it on the label.—
Patrick Shorb,
Rolling Stone,
26 Dec. 2024
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But the stock reversed course once management began disclosing more info about the company’s generative artificial intelligence system, Apple Intelligence.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Nonetheless, there is something creepy and compelling in the prophetic strength that is harbored, and slowly revealed, by particular books.—
Anthony Lane,
The New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2025
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Create Polls and Ask Questions Polls get people talking, and LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards it.—
William Arruda,
Forbes,
3 Jan. 2025
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Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more!—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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On social media, the department has avoided mentioning flu shots in posts about the flu, instead advising people to wash their hands and cover their coughs.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
23 Dec. 2024
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Universities in general are taking a cautious approach, stopping short of predicting a ban, but advising international students to plan ahead and prepare for potential delays at immigration control.—
Gord Magill,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Telling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/telling. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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