convert 1 of 2

verb

kən-ˈvərt How to pronounce convert (audio)
Definition of convertnext
1
as in to influence
to persuade to change to one's religious faith young missionaries who go door-to-door trying to convert people

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to transform
to change in form, appearance, or use the old factory was converted into an apartment building

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3
as in to persuade
to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest request many who used to insist that global warming was a myth have since been converted

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right the bailee converted the goods to his own use

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convert

2 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌvərt How to pronounce convert (audio)
1
as in recruit
a person who has recently been persuaded to join a religious sect the converts were the most vocal and fervent worshippers in the church

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2
as in adherent
one who follows the opinions or teachings of another the British biologist T. H. Huxley was one of the earliest converts to Darwin's theory of evolution

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word convert different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of convert are metamorphose, transfigure, transform, transmogrify, and transmute. While all these words mean "to change a thing into a different thing," convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

When is it sensible to use metamorphose instead of convert?

The meanings of metamorphose and convert largely overlap; however, metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

In what contexts can transfigure take the place of convert?

The words transfigure and convert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

When can transform be used instead of convert?

While the synonyms transform and convert are close in meaning, transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

When could transmogrify be used to replace convert?

The synonyms transmogrify and convert are sometimes interchangeable, but transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

When would transmute be a good substitute for convert?

While in some cases nearly identical to convert, transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

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 convert
Verb
When the Ottoman Empire took control of the region in the 15th century, the building was converted into a mosque and the church’s paintwings were covered up. — Naomi Tomky, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025 The Development segment focuses on converting non-income producing lands into income-producing properties through construction or sale. — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
The versatile machine converts to a handheld vacuum, too. — Isabel Garcia, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025 But unexpected allies and converts to the team’s cause appear, too: passengers awaiting a flight to Kabul, an American technology reporter, maybe even that annoying bakery owner. — Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for convert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convert
  1. influence
  2. transform
  3. persuade
  4. seize
  5. recruit
  6. adherent
  7. proselytize
  8. convince
Verb
  • Cultivate a critical understanding of how AI is influencing your life.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The descendants of enslaved Africans have influenced everything from the food to the crafts of the Lowcountry.
    — Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of influence
Verb
  • Federal prosecutors sent subpoenas to the Roosevelt Hotel, which was converted into a migrant shelter and intake center, as well as the Stewart Hotel, which was transformed into a migrant shelter, according to CBS News.
    — Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The floor, transformed into a gymnasium, set the stage for a rock-band performance complete with cheerleaders, while performers in basketball uniforms moved through the scene.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of transform
Verb
  • Gibson also persuaded the rail network to construct a station at Old Trafford.
    — Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, persuaded Trump to postpone tariffs on Mexican goods.
    — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of persuade
Verb
  • Trump’s executive order about seized bitcoin mostly stayed within executive purview, but bigger moves will demand broader buy-in.
    — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The area around the strait in the past has seen Iran seize commercial ships and purportedly launch attacks since President Donald Trump first unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers.
    — Graham Underwood, arkansasonline.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of seize
Noun
  • Citadel recruit Marcos Gonzales scored 20 points and Jack Weigus finished with 19 points and six rebounds to lead Brother Rice (30-6), which clinched the first state trophy in program history.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The feat comes after blue-chip recruit Brihanna Crittendon and Riverdale Ridge won the Class 4A crown last year, the young school’s first girls team title.
    — Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of recruit
Noun
  • The other nephew is still an ardent adherent to the cult and has gifted much of his substantial wealth to it.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Nostalgia for the pre-Brown era would not exercise nearly so powerful a grip on Black America today if its adherents focused on its detailed, pervasive inhumanities rather than relying on gauzy glimpses.
    — Justin Driver, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of adherent
Verb
  • However, the state's Supreme Court ruled that Catholic Charities' work is not primarily religious because the organization employs people who aren't Catholic and doesn't proselytize.
    — Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
  • However, since the state unveiled the materials this summer, educators, parents and advocacy groups have raised alarm about the inclusion of Bible stories over concerns the materials verge on proselytizing.
    — Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Nov. 2024
Definition of proselytize
Verb
  • Apparently, the prospect of losing what amounts to a third of the city’s $42 million annual budget and possibly more convinced the city to end its yearslong fight.
    — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The wax record actually included water within it, which added to its luster and surely convinced some longtime fans to purchase another copy.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of convince

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Cite this Entry

“Convert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convert. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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