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 readJohn Lahr
2
obsolete
a
: to overcome by argument
3
obsolete : demonstrate, prove
convincer noun

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.
Jackson will now look to reunite a Republican Party left battered by the most expensive and divisive gubernatorial primary in Georgia history, while also trying to convince a broader electorate that a healthcare executive with no political experience is prepared to lead Georgia. Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 17 June 2026 In a crew filled with people convinced of the superiority of their own methods, Cooper just wants to look at peacocks, call his grandma, and engage in some PG-13 flirting with fellow innocent oddball Kat. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 June 2026 The 10-year Treasury note is basically flat since the deal was announced over the weekend, suggesting investors aren't totally convinced that inflation will be dropping any time soon. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 16 June 2026 Mostly, the show is an eccentric yet seamless mix of black humor and horror, with Wyck trying to convince Loftis that the island’s curses are real. Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 16 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convince.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convince. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster