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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
The Associated Press Sophia Wilson converted a late penalty kick to pull the Portland Thorns into a 1-1 draw with Gotham FC on Friday night. ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 Barwiolek scores three minutes into the season opener at Waubonsie Valley and then converted a penalty kick in the second half, clinching a 2-1 nonconference victory for Geneva. Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
Both will be released in North America by Hong’s regular distributor The Cinema Guild; at this point the director may not be minting that many arthouse converts, but the new film will be warmly embraced by the faithful. Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026 The nursing care that follows is what converts that result into a functional recovery. Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for convert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convert
Verb
  • Physical activity, blood pressure, hearing loss, smoking, social isolation, sleep, nutrition, stress management and recovery can all influence our long-term health.
    Mick Safron, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In the 19th century, flamenco dancers began using the abanico as an expressive prop, as Cuban song and dance styles such as the guajira influenced the dance form.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Embroidery, beading, leatherwork, and fur transform the familiar silhouette, while a new second strap allows it to be slung across the shoulder.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Following Technoblade’s death, more than 400,000 messages from fans were collected in a virtual Minecraft memorial and transformed into 22 books of condolences for his family.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But persuading other American companies to follow Chevron into Venezuela remains one of Washington’s biggest challenges.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Proponents may face an uphill battle persuading Newsom to sign the bill, which creates a unique revenue stream to pay for the program.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Texas high school football season is underway, and several Fort Worth-area teams seized statement wins.
    Charles Baggarly August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
  • But while the Jets’ defense piled up takeaways, the rookie quarterback failed to seize the spotlight during the 23-6 loss to the Giants.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Ellis is one of several top recruits to leave Texas ahead of the 2026 season.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The two girls were falsely listed as recruits for the university’s crew team, even though neither ever participated in the sport.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Breitbart has also published an article skewering Hamilton for suggesting that adherents of other religions might get to Heaven.
    Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Its adherents believe that the relentless pursuit of maximizing individual freedom and rights has come at the cost of community, religion, and traditional norms.
    Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Yet some European philosophers were intrigued by the monism of Vedanta philosophy, whereas Evangelical Christians saw the same monism as a foundation for proselytizing Christian monotheism.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Porter sketched Trotsky holding forth at a conference table, proselytizing to the American bureaucrats.
    Dan Chiasson, The New York Review of Books, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • For good measure, Pabst’s social media updates took a tongue-in-cheek approach that may have actually convinced people the posts were more playful than actual pleas for help.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Greyson said nearly five decades of studying near-death experiences has convinced him there is probably something after death.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convert. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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