convince

verb

con·​vince kən-ˈvin(t)s How to pronounce convince (audio)
convinced; convincing
Synonyms of convince

transitive verb

1
: to bring (as by argument) to belief, consent, or a course of action : persuade
… convinced himself that she was all right …—William Faulkner
something I could never convince him to read—John Lahr
2
obsolete
a
: to overcome by argument
b
: overpower, overcome
3
obsolete : demonstrate, prove
convincer noun

Synonyms of convince

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Examples of convince in a Sentence

He convinced me that the story was true. They convinced us of their innocence. I managed to convince myself that I was doing the right thing. We convinced them to go along with our scheme. I was unable to convince her to stay.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Having convinced the wide player that coming under his tutelage is the right next step, following talks with Chelsea post-Rogers’ sale, Garnacho is set for a critical, arguably career-defining, 12 months. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026 The move came after Black Democrats aligned with white Republican legislators to convince a federal court to create three congressional districts to concentrate Black voting power, allowing for the state’s first Black members of Congress since 1876. — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 While the Republicans leaned on a long-time political loyalty from law enforcement, Democrats pulled out on the stops in an effort to convince attendees to vote for the person, not the party. — Rachel Royster july 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026 This effort comes as generative AI is making convincing real estate listing images faster and easier to produce, raising new concerns about transparency in online housing marketplaces. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for convince

Word History

Etymology

Latin convincere to refute, convict, prove, from com- + vincere to conquer — more at victor

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of convince was in 1530

Rhymes for convince

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Browse Nearby Words

convictor
convince
convincement
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Cite this Entry

“Convince.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convince. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

convince

verb
con·​vince kən-ˈvin(t)s How to pronounce convince (audio)
convinced; convincing
: to make a person agree or believe by arguing or showing evidence
convinced me it was true
convincer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on convince

Nglish: Translation of convince for Spanish Speakers

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