cogent

American  

[koh-juhnt] / ˈkoʊ dʒənt /

adjective

1. convincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation; telling.

2. to the point; relevant; pertinent.

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cogent British  

/ ˈkəʊdʒənt /

adjective

1. compelling belief or assent; forcefully convincing

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Other Word Forms

• cogency noun
• cogently adverb
• noncogent adjective
• noncogently adverb
• uncogent adjective
• uncogently adverb

Etymology

Origin of cogent

1650–60; < Latin cōgent- (stem of cōgēns, present participle of cōgere to drive together, collect, compel), equivalent to cōg- ( co- co- + ag-, stem of agere to drive) + -ent- -ent

Example Sentences

Their playing was electric in its immediacy, cogent in conception and executed with meticulous care—the orchestra sounding lush yet transparent, with enviably subtle dynamic shifts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

But if that were the case, a cogent narrative could make that point just as well as the facts about Kerr that appear on screen at the end of the film.

From Salon • Oct. 4, 2025

Chief Judge Pryor’s majority opinion is so cogent and compelling that it almost makes you believe that courts can fairly apply the hopelessly unworkable “history and tradition” test.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2025

Judge Harjeet Singh found that the prosecution "has failed to collect cogent and convincing evidence… regarding participation of the accused in unlawful activities or otherwise".

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2025

“It is plain that nature took but little trouble in fashioning his outer man...As a close observer and cogent reasoner, he has few equals and perhaps no superior in the world,” the reporter wrote.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Related Words

• compelling
• convincing
• forceful
• persuasive
• telling
• weighty